Indicative Knee Posture in Children with Osteomyelitis of the Proximal Part of the Tibia with or without an Associated Subperiosteal Abscess: A Report of 3 Cases.

CASE: Three patients with documented osteomyelitis of the proximal part of the tibia are described. On examination, all of the patients had an indicative finding of knee flexion to 90°. Because of the concern for septic arthritis, each patient underwent knee aspiration as part of the evaluation.All recovered with conventional infection treatment protocols.

CONCLUSION

High knee flexion beyond what is typical in patients with septic arthritis may indicate osteomyelitis of the proximal part of the tibia. Consideration of this diagnosis may lead to more expedient and efficient care.