Osteomyelitis originating in and around bone infarcts: giant sequestrum phenomena.

OBJECTIVE

We describe four cases of osteomyelitis that occurred in and around foci of preexisting osteonecrosis in the medullary cavity. Although sequestration is a well-known complication of osteomyelitis, there is little information known about infection occurring in proximity to large regions of already necrotic bone.

CONCLUSION

Osteomyelitis and bone infarction can be seen in the same patient population. Medullary infarcts may function as sequestra, predisposing patients to osteomyelitis and soft-tissue infection.