[Pseudotumoral subacute osteomyelitis: a series of 41 children].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To confirm that subacute osteomyelitis in children is a real entity, and give the main characteristics of this disease

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We reviewed 41 cases as well as the litterature.

RESULTS

Pain without fever was the only constant symptom. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased slightly. XRays were the most important investigation, showing a geode in the metaphysis or more rarely in the epiphysis evoking a benign bone tumor in a child.

DISCUSSION: The treatment was most often surgical: scraping permits the isolation of the microbe in 50 per cent of cases (staphylococcus most often) and usualy leady to recovery.

CONCLUSION

This form of osteomyelitis is relatively frequent and must be discussed in front of a cystic tumoral image of the child's long bone.