Osteomyelitis Originating in and Around Bone Infarcts: Giant Sequestrum Phenomena

Objective: We describe four cases of osteomyelitis that occurred in and around foci of preexisting osteonecrosis in the medullary cavity. Although sequestration is a well-known complication of osteomyelitis, there is little information known about infection occurring in proximity to large regions of already necrotic bone.

Conclusion: Osteomyelitis and bone infarction can be seen in the same patient population. Medullary infarcts may function as sequestra, predisposing patients to osteomyelitis and soft-tissue infection.