A case of chickenpox complicated with subacute osteomyelitis

Abstract

Chickenpox is a viral disease characterized by vesicular skin eruptions. It is commonly encountered during childhood and generally follows a benign course without complications. The most common complications are secondary bacterial skin infections ranging from superficial impetigo to subcutaneous abscess. Musculoskeletal complications like septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are rarely seen. In any child complaining of bone pain or arthralgia, during or after healing of varicella eruptions, the possibility of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis should be kept in mind. Early diagnosis is important because with the use of appropriate antibiotics, the need for surgical interventions and sequela can be prevented. Here, we present a case of subacute osteomyelitis that needed antibiotic and surgical treatment, whose initial symptom was right ankle pain that developed after three weeks of chicken pox.