Phalangeal Osteomyelitis Caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis – A Case Report of a Rare Association and Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a skin commensal and its association with bone infections is rare. This case is first of its kind in literature where phalangeal osteomyelitis was caused by S. lugdunensis. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old man presented with a chronic history of index fingertip pain to the orthopedic clinic. There was a partial resolution of symptoms earlier when commenced on anti-inflammatory and antibiotics in community by the general practitioner. A thorough clinical and radiological evaluation followed by a surgical debridement completely cured his symptoms. S. lugdunensis was isolated on culture in this case. CONCLUSION: Chronic finger-tip infections can be quite challenging to treat and one should have a high index of suspicion in treating such infections, especially with respect to the virulence of commensal micro-organisms.