Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in children. Retrospective review of 57 cases

ABSTRACT

Background: To review and share our experience about the management and complications of acute haematogenous Osteomyelitis at our hospital. Methods: 57 children with confirmed diagnosis ofacute haematogenous Osteomyelitis; hospitalised in Rustaq hospital; Oman between March 1998 and April 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The prevalence of age; sex; bone affected;type of organism isolated and complications were established. Elevated ESR; CRP along with Ultrasonographic changes seen in soft tissues are the most valuable supportive investigations. It wasobserved that early decompression of the bone /soft tissue under cover of combinations of antibiotics led to resolution of disease in majority of patients.. Conclusion: Surgery should be performed withminimal damage of the covering periosteum and soft tissue. Antibiotics should be continued for a period of 6-8 weeks according to sensitivity. Clinician should always keep in mind gram negativeand fastidious organisms in negative cultures for antibiotic selection