Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing osteomyelitis after puncture wounds of the foot.

Osteomyelitis of the foot caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been a recognized complication of puncture wounds since 1968. This is a report of two cases, one of which had evidence that the source of the P aeruginosa was the inner sole of the footwear. Factors such as warm, moist environment, antibiotics or antiseptics directed against gram-positive flora, and serous exudates, all of which enhance the growth of P aeruginosa, should be avoided in the management of puncture wounds of the foot.