Circumferential Osteo-Myelitis of the both Forearm Bone, Caused by Wrist Band: A Rare Cause

Foreign body injuries with wood, metal, plastic or a piece of glass are common in children. If neglected or poorly managed, some of these injuries results in cellulitis or osteomyelitis of the affected structures. This is the rare report of both bone forearm osteomyelitis following neglected rubber band wrapped around the distal forearm in a child.

A 6 year old male patient presented with pain and swelling with discharging sinus in left distal forearm. The diagnosis of both bone forearm osteomyelitis is confirmed with plain radio-graphs. During curettage surgery, incidentally rubber band was found in the subcutaneous tissue wrapped around distal forearm. Patient was treated with complete removal of foreign body (Rubber band), surgical debridement and combination of IV and oral antibiotic for period of 6 weeks. At 12 months follow up, patient presents with no recurrence of sign and symptoms of osteomyelitis and lesion healing satisfactorily.

The neglected foreign body can result in osteomyelitis of both bones of distal forearm in a child. Early diagnosis with adequate management of established osteomyelitis by complete removal of foreign body, curettage and antibiotics can give good results.