Author(s)

Abdou Taofik Moussa^1,2*, Doutchi Mahamadou^1,3, Souleymane Adoum Fils¹, Magagi Ibrahim^1,4, Idé Garba⁵, Abdoulaye Idrissa Abdoul Madjid⁵, Kané Kaka MM², Abdoul Wahab Allasane Mohamed⁵, Habou Oumarou^1,6, Adamou Harissou^1,4

Faculty of Health Sciences, André Salifou University of Zinder, Zinder, Niger.
Faculty of Health Sciences, André Salifou University of Zinder, Zinder, Niger.
Department of Traumatology-Orthopedics, National Hospital of Zinder, Zinder, Niger.
Department of Infectious Diseases, Zinder National Hospital, Zinder, Niger.
Department of General Surgery, Zinder National Hospital, Zinder, Niger.
Department of Traumatology-Orthopedics, National Hospital of Niamey, Niamey, Niger.
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zinder National Hospital, Zinder, Niger.

Objective: Chronic osteomyelitis represents a frequent complication in young children, especially those with sickle cell disease. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological aspects and therapeutic implications of chronic long-bone osteomyelitis in sickle-cell subjects aged 0 to 5 years at Zinder National Hospital. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with retrospective data collection of sickle cell subjects hospitalized and treated for chronic osteomyelitis from November 2023 to October 2024 at Zinder National Hospital. Results: Of the 16 patients included, male sex predominated in 56.25% (9/16). The mean age of patients was 32.69 months, ranging from 12 to 54 months. Involvement was multifocal in 75% (12/16) and bilateral in 37.5% (6/16). Bone involvement was predominantly in the pelvic limbs (87.5%). Among the bones affected, the femur was the most frequent site of involvement. All patients presented clinical symptoms such as pain, fever and swelling. Hyperleukocytosis was present in all subjects. Abscesses were present in 93.75% of cases, and sequestration was observed in 37.5% of patients. All cases were managed medico-surgically. Complications were noted in 25% (4/16), and involved residual bone deformities. Cure was confirmed in 43.75% (7/16). Conclusion: Chronic osteomyelitis in sickle-cell patients is a serious complication of acute osteomyelitis. Early management of acute osteomyelitis helps to avoid.

Osteomyelitis, Chronic, Sickle Cell Disease, Zinder

Moussa, A.T., Mahamadou, D., Fils, S.A., Ibrahim, M., Garba, I., Madjid, A.I.A., MM, K.K., Mohamed, A.W.A., Oumarou, H. and Harissou, A. (2025) Chronic Osteomyelitis in Children at Zinder National Hospital: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Aspects. Surgical Science, 16, 39-48. doi: 10.4236/ss.2025.161006.