[Clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment of albuminous osteomyelitis]

According to the authors' data the literature offers only single reports concerning the problem of albuminose osteomyelitis. The authors observed 7 patients including 5 children. There were 5 male patients and 2--females. In 6 cases the pathological process involved the left femur, in 1--the right. The main symptoms of the disease were as follows: pains, the presence of tumescence, extended network of subcutaneous veins, local rise of temperature, an impaired function of the involved extremity. Roentgenologically, thickening of the periosteum was found in 5 cases, localized foci in the medullary cavity of the metaphysis--in 2 cases. There was noted an increased activity of alkaline phosphatase, elevation in the level of sialo acid, leucocytosis, increased sedimentation rate, large amount of protein in the exudate (by 31% on an average). In 5 patients wide incisions till the bone with subsequent drainage were made, tumescence was punctured in 2 patients (2--3 times), a plaster dressing was applied, patients were given a diet rich in protein and vitamins, and also physical therapy. The immediate and late results have been studied in all patients followed up for the period from 4 months to 5 years. There were noted no cases of recurrence.