DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.22.00470 ISSN:

Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccine–Induced Tuberculous Elbow Osteomyelitis in an Infant

Shigeki Ishibashi, Akira Kodama, Natsuki Maruyama, Teruyasu Tanaka, Yuta Hayashi, Rikuo Shinomiya, Satoshi Okada, Nobuo Adachi
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Surgery
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Case:

We report a case of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine–induced osteomyelitis of the distal end of the right humerus in a 1-year and 8-month–old girl. The patient was treated with debridement and a 12-month antituberculosis drug. After 3 years of follow-up, no growth disturbances or sequelae were observed.

Conclusion:

BCG osteomyelitis is difficult to diagnose because of its rarity. It is important to suspect BCG osteomyelitis based on symptoms and blood tests and to perform PCR testing. Long-term follow-up after treatment is necessary to monitor for recurrence and avoid growth disturbances until epiphyseal line closure occurs.

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