Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children

Sixty-nine children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis were studied retrospectively. All were treated with antibiotics, and eight underwent fenestration osteotomies. In the operatively treated group, three poor results occurred. In a more recent prospective study of 44 patients, drainage was undertaken only when pus was aspirated. All results were good or excellent. We recommend operative drainage only when a demonstrated abscess is found by aspiration.