Racial and environmental factors in acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in New Zealand.

Data on the hospital incidence of acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in New Zealand children between 1965 and 1973 are presented. The incidence in Maori children is four times that in European children. The condition is more common in the North Island than the South Island, but this difference is mainly due to the distribution of the Maori people. Admissions to hospital are common in late summer and autumn. The relationship of osteomyelitis to skin and ear sepsis and some possible reasons for ethnic difference, are discussed.