Femur, septic osteomyelitis
GC.5222
Distal two-thirds of the left femur, showing the effects of septic osteomyelitis.
From a woman aged 31 years whose illness had commenced with sudden pain behind the left knee three weeks before her first admission to hospital. The distal part of the left thigh was swollen and pitted on pressure and the superficial veins over it were engorged and prominent. The condition was considered to be a periphlebitis and her craving for alcohol took her from hospital after only seven days residence. She was re-admitted forty-four days later with a fluctuating popliteal abscess pointing medially and when this was opened the entire popliteal surface was found bare. Seven months from the onset of her illness the limb was amputated on account of septic arthritis of the knee.
Just proximal to the condyles the popliteal surface has undergone considerable osteoporosis and the septic infection has spread to the intercondylic notch and has perforated the condyles and involved the knee joint. The compact bone of the popliteal surface forms a smooth, white sequestrum whose edges have been irregularly absorbed by phagocytic action. On the corresponding anterior surface part of the original femoral diaphysis is exposed and shows osteoporosis and vertical striation. Proximal to the popliteal area an involucrum of new bone envelops the diaphysis.
Nineteenth century, late
