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Closed fractures complicated by acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
Insights
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis is rare in children with closed fractures but can occur. Prompt antibiotic treatment leads to excellent outcomes, preventing long-term bone issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Osteomyelitis is a bone infection, often occurring after open fractures or trauma.
- Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis typically spreads through the bloodstream.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of osteomyelitis at closed fracture sites were identified.
- Infection developed after fracture reduction and immobilization.
Findings:
- Antibiotic therapy was effective in treating the osteomyelitis.
- Fractures healed completely without chronic infection, growth impairment, or functional loss.
Implications:
- Consider osteomyelitis in children with closed fractures presenting with fever or increased pain post-immobilization.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric osteomyelitis associated with closed fractures yield favorable prognoses.
Abstract:
Osteomyelitis developed at closed fracture sites in two children. The infection responded to antibiotic therapy, and the fractures healed without chronic infection developing, impairment of bone growth, or loss of function. It is rare for a closed fracture to develop acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, but the diagnosis should be considered in a child with a closed fracture in whom a fever develops or who complains of increasing pain after the fracture has been reduced and immobilized. In children, the condition has an excellent prognosis.