Subacute osteomyelitis of the talus mimicking arthritis of the ankle joint: a case report with 16 years follow-up.

A 7-year-old girl suffering from subacute osteomyelitis of the talus is presented. The main presenting symptoms were mild pain and limping. Owing to the relatively benign course and the rarity of the disease, there was a delay in the diagnosis of about 7 weeks. Laboratory investigation indicated inflammation rather than infection. Roentgenological signs of osteomyelitis appeared at a later stage. Treatment included surgical exploration, curettage, and antibiotics. The patient was seen 16 years later, at the age of 23 years, and there were no sequelae of the infection clinically or radiographically. This study presents the existence of this rare disease, so that it can be promptly diagnosed, possibly avoiding surgical intervention.