Chronic Pyogenic Osteomyelitis of the Rib

Abstract

Rib osteomyelitis is extremely rare and accounts for <1% of haematogenous osteomyelitis. We report a rare case of chronic pyogenic osteomyelitis involving the rib in a 29-year-old female sickle cell disease (SCD) patient who presented with recurrent discharging sinus over the right chest wall for 20 years. The patient had partial excision of the 5th rib/sequestrectomy with chest tube insertion. She did very well and was discharged after chest tube removal to the orthopaedic outpatient department for follow-up. Being of various aetiology with non-specific clinical manifestation, its diagnosis is challenging. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of rib osteomyelities in a SCD patient. Early recognition and prompt treatment allow high cure rate.