Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong)
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J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) · Aug 2006
Case ReportsThorn prick osteomyelitis of the foot in barefoot walkers: a report of four cases.
Walking barefoot is common in developing countries and the feet are therefore exposed to a variety of trivial injuries, some of which lead to cellulitis or abscess formation. If left untreated or improperly managed, osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, usually involving the heel or metatarsals, may follow. ⋯ All were treated with thorn removal, surgical debridement, and oral ofloxacin. Surgical removal of the thorn is the key to successful treatment and to avoiding recurrent infection.