A Metaphyseal Corner Fracture that Wasn't: A Case Report of Osteitis from Congenital Syphilis

JBJS Case Connect. 2020 Jan-Mar;10(1):e0557. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.19.00557.

Abstract

Case: Congenital syphilis (CS) is an infrequently seen condition in the United States; however, rates of CS have been on the rise. We present a case of an infant with a lesion of the radius that was initially diagnosed as a metaphyseal corner fracture and treated as such until maternal syphilis testing was noted to be positive. Ultimately, the child was diagnosed with CS. She is now undergoing treatment with penicillin and recovering well.

Conclusion: Although CS is rare, the incidence is on the rise and should remain on the differential of lytic lesions of bone in young children.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Osteitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteitis / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Radius Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Syphilis, Congenital / complications*