[Subacute osteomyelitis in young children. Study of 17 cases]

Subacute osteomyelitis is characterised by absence of symptoms of generalised infection and a favourable prognosis. In the last 15 years, the authors have observed 17 such cases in children, aged between 3 months and 4 years. Three were situated in the epiphysis and 14 in the metaphyseal region. On three occasions, a tarsal bone was involved and in five cases the lesion was in the spine. The radiological signs were very characteristic and biological changes were minimal. Exploration of the site of the infection was done on ten occasions, but only on two were organisms found. Treatment was based on antibiotics active against staphylococci and drugs inhibiting prostaglandins. Only one case was treated surgically. Healing occurred eventually in all cases.