Article Details

Background: Acute osteomyelitis (OM) of the patella is exceptionally rare in children, with only a 1.1% incidence rate reported in a compilation of case reports. The rarity of the condition, combined with its nonspecific symptoms and diverse clinical manifestations, complicates early diagnosis and delays treatment. Prompt identification and immediate antibiotic therapy are crucial for a full recovery and to prevent the progression to a chronic, more severe form of the disease.

Case Presentation: A previously healthy 6-year-old boy, who was diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the left patella, following a traumatic fall three days prior to his presentation to the emergency department.

Conclusion: The unusual nature and infrequent occurrence of patellar OM often lead physicians’ oversight of its potential cause of knee pain in children. It is important to consider patellar OM as a possible diagnosis in children presenting with knee pain. For timely and accurate diagnosis, thorough clinical assessments, laboratory testing, plain radiography, and MRI are crucial for reaching a diagnosis. Early identification and proper treatment are key to preventing the risk of the infection spreading within the joint.

Keywords: Osteomyelitis; Patella; Infection; Pediatric; Case report