title: Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the epiphysis.
abstract: Acute primary infection of the epiphysis is uncommon. This article presents 2 cases. An acute osteomyelitis of the distal femoral epiphysis, which was not diagnosed until 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms, developed in a 4-year-old boy. The epiphyseal infection spread into the knee joint, necessitating surgical debridement. An acute osteomyelitis of the proximal tibial epiphysis developed in a 23-month-old girl. Although the diagnosis was not confirmed until 1 week after the onset of symptoms, she responded well to a course of intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics. The epiphysis is a potential site for acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment may prevent spread of the infection into the adjacent joint.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Longjohn
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Zionts
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Stott
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002437:Cefazolin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement; D004838:Epiphyses; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009254:Nafcillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D013977:Tibia / Q000098:blood supply
chemical_list: D009254:Nafcillin; D002437:Cefazolin