A Case of Ankle Osteomyelitis Caused by Mycobacterium abscessus

Abstract

The proportion of non-tuberculous mycobacteria to Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultivated in the laboratory has been recently increasing. Numerous skin and soft tissue infections have been reported, while osteomyelitis is reported very rarely. A delayed diagnosis can cause a wide range of bone destruction and joint contracture, which highlights the importance of early recognition of osteomyelitis. Here we report a case of ankle osteomyelitis caused by Mycobacterium abscessus and treatment failure due to delayed diagnosis.