A case of bony injury and osteomyelitis during the Covid-19 lockdown

TL;DR

A patient developed a severe bone injury and infection during the pandemic due to self-isolation and lack of support.

Contribution

Highlights the physical and mental health risks of prolonged isolation during the pandemic.

Findings

A tibial bony defect and osteomyelitis occurred from self-neglect during lockdown.

The patient required IV antibiotics for septicaemia and had mild cognitive impairment.

Prolonged isolation can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences.

Abstract

Social isolation has been linked with psychological and cognitive decline and this has become more pertinent during the Covid19
pandemic. Here we report a case of self-inflicted tibial bony defect with associated osteomyelitis due to leg ulcers, self-neglect,
and lack of support during self-isolation relating to Covid-19 restrictions. The soft tissue and bony defect created was extensive and
it is likely caused by a support stocking acting as a tourniquet over a long time. The patient developed osteomyelitis and septicaemia
and was treated with IV antibiotics. She was found to have mild cognitive impairment and was referred to community memory services.
Thus, successive lockdowns with subsequent self-elected isolation have serious consequences for physical and mental well-being.