Haematogenous osteomyelitis of the patella. Report of three cases

Three cases of osteomyelitis of the patella are reported. One presented as an acute septic arthritis and another developed a sterile arthritis despite antibiotics. The clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Treatment with rest and antibiotics failed to cure the disease. In all three cases a sequestrectomy was carried out resulting in healing of the affected patella and recovery of knee mobility.