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Osteomyelitis - phalanx

Case contributed by Yvette Mellam
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Elderly patient presents for review of infected finger almost 2 weeks after cutting finger with a kitchen knife.

Patient Data

Age: 90 years
Gender: Female

Left index finger

x-ray

There is prominent bone destruction involving the distal phalanx of the left index finger, particularly the shaft and tuft. There is marked soft tissue swelling.

Multifocal osteoarthritic changes are noted.

Case Discussion

In this clinical context, osteomyelitis is the most likely cause of shaft and tuft destruction of the index finger. This patient went on to have terminalisation of this finger under the orthopedic team.

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