Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the growth of bone in soft tissue, and can be broadly classified into neurogenic, genetic and traumatic causes. The pathophysiology of HO remains unknown. This disorder is extremely rare in infants and can mimic or coexist with thrombophlebitis, cellulitis or osteomyelitis. Most importantly, HO has to be differentiated from bone-forming tumours such as osteosarcoma and osteochondroma. We report a case of traumatic HO in a fiveday- old newborn following intravenous cannulation of the right wrist and left ankle, with the latter complicated with osteomyelitis. We highlight the clinical and radiological features of HO and differential diagnoses of soft tissue ossification in early childhood.

Septic arthritis is a surgical emergency. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment reduce the destruction of articular cartilage and give better outcome. We describe a simple, minimally invasive closed tube irrigation system for the initial treatment of septic arthritis of the knee in a patient with complex medical problems who was unfit to undergo surgery.
Arthritis, Infectious

Intraosseous lesions at phalanges are rare. They frequently present with pain and swelling. Fortunately, the majority of the lesions are benign. However, some lesions are destructive and early interventions are required. We report two cases of similar presentations of swelling and discomfort at the little finger for six months. The lytic lesions involved the whole middle phalanx with cortical breach sparing the joints. A provisional diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made, although unlikely. Bone biopsy was performed early to plan for definitive treatment and surgery. Patient 1 was diagnosed for intraosseous gout whereas Patient 2 for epithelioid hemangioma. Both were benign destructive bone lesions. Thus, we counselled the patients for curettage of lesion, bone grafting and spanning external fixation in view of extensive lesion. Patient 1 defaulted treatment. Patient 2 had an uneventful surgery. She regained her grip strength. In two years follow up, there was no evidence of infection, recurrence or malignant transformation.