[Acute osteomyelitis in childhood. Review of 66 cases]

66 cases of acute osteomyelitis have been reviewed. The results obtained have been compared with those shown in the literature. There was a large predominance of males. Hematogenous inoculation was the most frequent. Clinical manifestations have been typical in children and polymorphic in infants and neonates. Leukocytosis with left deviation and elevated ESR, were frequent gammagraphic bone scan was positive in 88% of the cases so explored. The etiologic agents were isolated in 71% of the cases from blood cultures and needle aspiration from subperiosteal space and/or joint fluid cultures. S. aureus was found in 57.4% of all cases and in 86.4% of older children. The sequelae have been more frequent in neonates and infants.