[Special features of humeral osteomyelitis in four children in Madagascar].

The purpose of this report is to describe the epidemiological and pathological features of humeral osteomyelitis based on four pediatric cases observed during the subacute and chronic stage over a 12-month period. All locations were encountered. The offending bacterium was always Staphylococcus aureus. All four patients presented involvement of both the shoulder and elbow. Spreading of infection was largely due to the adverse effect of traditional massage therapy performed on these young patients. The poor living conditions of these children accounted for the existence of multiple foci of infection in one case and morbid association of tuberculosis pleurisy in another. Delay of treatment due to the use of traditional medicine can lead to severe functional sequels.