A child with acute myeloid leukemia complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium abscessus infection after induction chemotherapy successfully salvaged with bedaquiline and clofazimine.

Our patient was a 4-year-old female with acute myeloid leukemia complicated with right calcaneal osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium abscessus with subcutaneous abscesses extending to the popliteal and groin regions after two courses of induction chemotherapy according to NOPHO-AML 2012 protocol. She required multiple operations and prolonged anti-mycobacterial therapy. A high index of suspicion for mycobacterial infection is required for immunocompromised patients with prolonged fever or unusual presentation. Mycobacterial osteomyelitis is rare, difficult to diagnose and treat, and may necessitate prolonged interruption of anti-leukemic therapy. Multidisciplinary collaboration in patient management is crucial. Long-term toxicity of antimicrobials with uncertain efficacy should not be overlooked.

Giant cell tumor of the humeral head treated by denosumab: Implication to shoulder surgeons.

Giant cell tumor is a benign bone tumor that is commonly encountered. The optimal treatment of a giant cell tumor which causes extensive bony destruction is controversial. Recent studies on the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand antagonist denosumab may offer a new treatment option for these patients. We presented a patient with giant cell tumor of the humeral head. He was initially treated with denosumab and subsequently with the operation. The shoulder joint was successfully salvaged. But there are potential difficulties that surgeons may face in patients treated with denosumab.