Acute Primary Epiphyseal Osteomyelitis of Proximal Tibia - A Case Report and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Acute pyogenic epiphyseal osteomyelitis is a rare condition, mostly affecting children. This case report discusses the importance of clinical suspicion and the role of adjuncts in the diagnosis of these cases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old female presented with pain in the right knee for 1 week and difficulty in walking for 4 days. Diagnosis was made with the help of magnetic resonance imaging MRI and guided biopsy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from culture. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics with a good response. DISCUSSION: Despite being a rarely reported entity, primary epiphyseal osteomyelitis should be kept as one of the differentials of the painful swollen knee in a child. Early diagnosis with the help of proper radiological investigations is the key to prevent the sequelae of this disease.