Abstract
Salmonella is a common pathogenic bacteria often associated with food poisoning, and purulent osteomyelitis represents less than 1 percent of all Salmonella infections. The authors report a rare case of Salmonella osteomyelitis in the proximal femur in a healthy adult.
On July 2, 2002, a 30-year-old man was referred to our hospital for coxalgia of the right side with fever which had persisted for 4 weeks without response to intravenous antibiotics (CEZ 1 g/day and ISP 400 mg/day for 7 days). Initial radiographic findings showed a 3×1.5 cm, radiolucent lesion in the proximal femur.
The next day, open biopsy and curettage were performed. Bone abscess material was obtained for culture at operation, and Salmonella braenderup was identified as the causative pathogen. Intravenous antibiotics were administered for 24 days (CTM 2 g/day for 6 days, CP 2 g/day for 3 days and ABPC 2 g/day for 15 days), oral LVFX 300 mg/day for 13 days, and continuous perfusion for 2 weeks after operation.
At follow-up, 2 months after the operation, the patient had no functional deficit, could perform daily activities, and farming tasks without any problems. The radiolucent lesion was reduced.
Salmonella osteomyelitis commonly arises without digestive trouble as a prodromal symptom and may recover well with treatment for general purulent osteomyelitis.
