Chronic osteomyelitis - tibia (with sequestrum)

Case contributed by Utkarsh Kabra
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Pain in left leg, previous DVT.

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Male

Well defined intramedullary altered signal intensity lesions measuring approx. 12 x 17 x 79 mm in proximal shaft of left tibia. 

Similar lesion measuring approx. 6.7 x 7.3 x 50 mm is seen in distal shaft of left tibia 

No evidence of soft tissue component seen. No obvious cortical breach or significant surrounding marrow edema is seen .

Visualized muscles of left leg shows significant reduced bulk with moderate fatty atrophy and hyperintensity. 

 

Corresponding CT cuts show a well defined lesion in proximal shaft of left tibia with a lucent rim and central dense calcification. 

Case Discussion

  • Well defined intramedullary altered signal intensity lesions in proximal and distal shafts of left tibia. Corresponding CT cuts show well defined lesions in proximal and distal shafts of femur with a lucent rim and central dense calcification consistent with chronic osteomyelitis with sequestrum.  
  • Reduced bulk with moderate fatty atrophy and hyperintensity of visualized muscles of left leg, possibly related to denervation changes/chronic compartment syndrome. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.