Osteomyelitis following Palatoplasty: A Rare Complication

Abstract

Objectives: Raise awareness of potential serious complications of oropharyngeal surgery such as osteomyelitis and discuss the role of perioperative antibiotics in such operations. Explore the events leading up to the development of osteomyelitis in a 13-month-old boy following palatoplasty. Discuss the role of perioperative antibiotics in oropharyngeal surgery. Study Design: Single case report with chart and literature review. Methods: We present the case of a 13-month-old boy who underwent palatoplasty, received perioperative antibiotics, and subsequently developed group A streptococcal bacteremia along with osteomyelitis of the right calcaneus. A literature review was done to explore the role of antibiotics in oropharyngeal surgery. Results: The patient underwent treatment with antibiotics, and the osteomyelitis resolved. Conclusions: Surgeons and clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for bone and joint infections in any child presenting postoperatively with fevers, bacteremia, and musculoskeletal symptoms. The role of perioperative antibiotics in the prevention of severe postoperative infections such as osteomyelitis is unclear. In the era of evidence-based medicine there is a movement to temper, if not eliminate, the once standard practice of discharging children on a short course of prophylactic antibiotics following palate repair. It should therefore be noted that even when these antibiotics are given, rare infectious complications may still occur.