Desbridamiento Artroscópico de Osteomielitis de Rodilla por Fusobacterium Nucleatum en Niño de 4 Años. Reporte de Caso con 8 Años de Seguimiento

Abstract

Osteoarticular infection by anaerobic microorganisms is infrequent in children, specially caused by Fusobacterium Nucleatum.
A 4-year-old male patient that consults for pain, functional limitation and local inflammatory signs on the right knee, without fever for a 1-month, and no history of trauma.
The radiological images showed a lytic lesion in the external femoral condyle with a collection in the joint space. After the diagnosis of Osteomyelitis in external femoral condyle and septic arthritis of the knee, two consecutive arthroscopies were carried out for joint debridement and curettage of the lesion.
Previously the isolation of fusobacterium nucleatum an empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy was instituted. Microbiological identification by 16S rRNA universal PCR was necessary in view of the repeated negativity of the cultures.
Once the diagnosis is carried out, a more specific antibiotic treatment could be administered. After 8 years of follow-up, the child showed no signs of local infection, the radiological images of the osteochondral defect had improved. On physical examination the child presented a correct mobility leading a normal life and even doing sport.

Type of Study: Case report
Level of Evidence: V