Abstract
Acute osteomyelitis is uncommon in full-term neonates and occurs most frequently in
those with critical illnesses, often following episodes of sepsis, skin infection,
umbilical catheterization, urinary tract anomalies, or a complicated delivery. Here,
we report a very rare case of acute rib osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus in a 13-day-old full-term male neonate. Ultrasonography (US) enabled diagnosis and
revealed a coexisting costochondral junction rib fracture, which was not detected
on routine chest radiography. Following a 29-day course of intensive parenteral antibiotic
therapy, the patient was discharged in good health at 42 days of age without any scar
formation. Due to its accessibility and safety, US can be a promising modality for
detecting acute osteomyelitis in neonates with clinically highly suspected conditions
in the neonatal intensive care unit setting, particularly those involving thin and
mobile bones subject to respiratory motion. However, further studies are required
to assess the utility of US in these cases and negative results. In low-risk neonates
with osteomyelitis, an accompanying fracture should be considered.
Keywords
rib - rib fractures - osteomyelitis - newborn - ultrasonography
