The changing epidemiology of osteomyelitis in children

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Craigen-M-A. Watters-J. Hackett-J-S. J-Bone-Joint-Surg-[Br]. 1992 Jul. 74(4). P 541-5.* We reviewed 275 cases and calculated the prevalence of bacteriologically or radiologically confirmed acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in children under 13 resident in Greater Glasgow during 1970 to 1990. In the 20-year period there was a fall of over 50%, mainly anwolving cases oF 4ong-bone infection, and those due to Staphymcoccus aureus. hlre was a reduced incidence of complications. The proportion of cases involving long bones decreased from 84% to 57%, and those of Staphylococcus aureus infection from 55% to 31%. These changes, in what is becoming a rare disease, need to be known to ensure early diagnosis and adequate treatment,