Sever disease complicated with osteomyelitis, is it role for ultrasonography; case report and review of literature

Abstract

When a physically active growing child presented with heel pain without specific radiographic findings, Sever's disease is usually perused. Sever's disease or calcaneal apophysitis is a subset of osteochondrosis occurring at the posterior calcaneal apophysis at the site of attachment of Achiles tendon. The diagnosis is mainly based on the clinical assessment. Imaging may be needed to exclude alternative diagnosis such as planter fasciitis, Achilles tendon Injuries, calcaneus fractures, osteomyelitis & tarsal coalition. No sign has been accepted as pathognomonic for sever diagnosis by plain radiography. We present a case of Sever's disease complicated with calcaneal osteomyelitis and discussed the role of ultrasonography.