Small Shoulders, Big Burden: Scapular Osteomyelitis in an Infant
Case Report | Volume 12 | Issue 1 | January-April 2026 | Page: 16-18 | Dyan D’ Souza, Karthik Shyam, Binu T Kurian, Shubha A M
DOI- https://doi.org/10.13107/ijpo.2026.v12.i01.260
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2026; The Author(s).
Submitted: 31/10/2025; Reviewed: 24/11/2025; Accepted: 11/01/2026; Published: 10/02/2026
Authors: Dyan D’ Souza MS, MCh (Paed Surgery) [1], Karthik Shyam MD Rad [2], Binu T Kurian MS Ortho [3], Shubha A M MS, MCh (Paed Surgery) [1]
[1] Department of Paediatric Surgery, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
[2] Department of Radiodiagnosis, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
[3] Department of Orthopaedics, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Shubha A M,
Department of Pediatric Surggery, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
E-mail: dramshubha@yahoo.co.in
Abstract
Background: A mass in relation to the scapula is rare in infancy, causing a diagnostic dilemma. We report a case in an infant presenting with scapular osteomyelitis and highlight the management of this condition.
Case report: A 2-month-old male child presented with an atraumatic swelling in the right scapular region with decreased movements of the upper arm for 15 days with no response to antibiotics. A diffuse firm to hard swelling in the right scapular region, with increased temperature and tenderness restricting both passive and active movements at the shoulder joint was noted on examination. Though total counts and C- reactive protein were raised, the blood culture was sterile. Plain X-ray and MRI revealed osteomyelitis of the right scapula. Biopsy further confirmed the diagnosis. Good response was noted to treatment with antibiotics and physiotherapy
Conclusion: A scapular mass without shoulder arthritis, longer duration of symptoms, negative cultures and the absence of sepsis are notable features in this case. Emphasis is on prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and appropriate physiotherapy to prevent long term complications.
Keywords: Infant, Scapula, Osteomyelitis, Antibiotics, Case report
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| How to Cite this Article: D’ Souza D, Shyam K, Kurian BT, Shubha AM. Small Shoulders, Big Burden: Scapular Osteomyelitis in an Infant. International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics. January-April 2026; 12(1): 16-18. |
