TITLE:
Clinical Overview of Chronic Osteomyelitis Complications
AUTHORS:
Joseph Davy Diouf, Souleymane Diao, Hassan Nassour, Pape Makhtar Fall, Amadou Ndiasse Kasse, Jean Claude Sane
KEYWORDS:
Chronic Osteomyelitis, Complications, Handicap
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Infectious Diseases,
Vol.15 No.4,
November
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Chronic osteomyelitis is a hematogenous infection of the bone that often leads to disabling orthopedic complications. This study aimed to describe the anatomical, clinical, and radiological aspects of the sequelae of this pathology observed at Idrissa Pouye Hospital. Materials and Methods: We report a continuous retrospective descriptive study of 36 patients collected over an 11-year period (from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2016). Results: We noted 185 cases of chronic osteomyelitis. Thirty-six of them (36) had presented complications and/or orthopedic sequelae. The average age was 15.8 years, with a clear male predominance (75%; sex ratio = 3). The main reason for consultation was chronic fistula (44.4%). Sickle cell disease was found in 16.7% of cases. Sequelae mainly affected the lower limbs, with leg length discrepancy (19.4%), axial deviations (30.6%), and joint stiffness (54.3%). Radiological osteocondensation (91.7%) and bone sequestration (77.8%) were the predominant abnormalities. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 9 patients. Conclusion: Chronic osteomyelitis causes significant functional disabilities, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and appropriate management to limit its impact.