Chronic osteomyelitis represents a progressive inflammatory process caused by pathogens, resulting in bone destruction and sequestrum formation.

It may present with periods of quiescence of variable duration, whereas its occurrence, type, severity, and prognosis are multifactorial.

The ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis is the presence of positive bone cultures and histopathologic examination of the bone.

Its management remains challenging to the treating physician, with a multidisciplinary approach involving radiologists, microbiologists with expertise in infectious diseases, orthopedic surgeons, and plastic surgeons.

Treatment should be tailored to each patient according to the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as to the clinical and radiological response to treatment.