A 30-year-old man came to the family physician. 2 months ago he underwent surgery for an open fracture of the humerus. On examination the patient’s condition is satisfactory, in the area of the postoperative wound there is a fistula that discharges a small amount of pus; the area itself is red: fluctuation is detected. X-ray shows destruction of the humerus with sequestra. What complication did the patient develop during the postoperative period?

Answer options

1. Wound suppuration
2. Hematogenous osteomyelitis
3. Posttraumatic osteomyelitis
4. Posttraumatic phlegmon
5. Suture sinus

Explanation

A 30-year-old man came to the family physician. 2 months ago he underwent surgery for an open fracture of the humerus. On examination the patient’s condition is satisfactory, in the area of the postoperative wound there is a fistula that discharges a small amount of pus; the area itself is red: fluctuation is detected. X-ray shows destruction of the humerus with sequestra. What complication did the patient develop during the postoperative period?Posttraumatic phlegmon → Inflamed tissue and superficialPosttraumatic osteomyelitis → Deeper than tissueOsteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, a rare but serious condition. Bones can become infected in a number of ways: Infection in one part of the body may spread through the bloodstream into the bone, or an open fracture or surgery may expose the bone to infection.