title: Ultrasound localization of subperiosteal abscesses in children with late-acute osteomyelitis.
abstract: Ultrasonography was undertaken in nine children with late presenting acute osteomyelitis, in four children with typical superficial cellulitis, and in four with a soft tissue abscess. Ultrasound distinguished between superficial cellulitis, soft tissue abscess, and subperiosteal abscess. The abscesses were confirmed at operation, and a subperiosteal abscess was also detected in the child with deep periosseous cellulitis. Ultrasonography was particularly useful in confirming the existence of a subperiosteal abscess and in localizing it precisely in children with diffuse swelling and tenderness of a limb owing to late-acute osteomyelitis. Surgical drainage of pus can be avoided in patients without ultrasound features of an abscess and can be better planned in those who require it.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Abernethy
authors.forename: Y C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D000208:Acute Disease; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010521:Periosteum; D014463:Ultrasonography