Periosteal reaction due to foreign body-induced inflammation of soft tissue

Bone lesions resulting from embedded plant thorns or wooden splinters have been reported,1-7 though rarely. Despite the fact that the majority of cases have occurred in children, no description appears in the English pediatric literature. We have recently seen a child with an osteomyelitis-like lesion in whom, after a considerable delay in diagnosis, an embedded wood fragment was found. A search of the literature revealed a striking similarity in the presenting signs and symptoms of our patient to those described, prompting this report and literature review. CASE REPORT A 12-year-old boy was admitted to the pediatric service with a two-week history of swelling and erythema of the dorsum of the left foot.