A March Back To Health, One Bead at a Time: The Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis with Antibiotic Bone Cement - A Case Report

Resumen

A 16-year-old male presented with a history of trauma to the left tibia in 2022, followed by pain and swelling of the left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with chronic osteomyelitis. Incision and drainage was performed in 2022. Subsequently, the patient underwent sequestrectomy and saucerization with application of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement beads in 2023. Delayed elective removal of the antibiotic bead chain was performed in 2026. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with considerable improvement in symptoms and mobility. The patient was able to ambulate with walker support following the procedure. This case highlights the potential role of combined sequestrectomy, saucerization, and local antibiotic-impregnated bone cement beads in the management of chronic osteomyelitis. Keywords: Chronic osteomyelitis; antibiotic-impregnated bone cement; sequestrectomy; saucerization; polymethylmethacrylate beads.