Pediatric Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis continues to be a significant problem among the New Zealand pediatric population. We present a large series of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) cases, with the aim to identify any changing trends and guide successful management of the disease. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review was performed of clinical records of children with AHO at the 2 children's orthopaedic departments in the Auckland region. Cases were identified from Starship Children's Hospital between 1997 and 2007 and Middlemore's Kidz First Hospital between 1998 and 2008. RESULTS: A total of 813 cases of pediatric AHO were identified. The incidence was 1:4000, which was decreasing over the 10-year period. There was a male predominance and New Zealand (NZ) Maori and Pacific Islanders were overrepresented. The diagnosis was made clinically in 27%, radiographically in 66%, and surgically in 7%. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus and the incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus was low (2%). The average length of antibiotic treatment was 44 days and 44% required surgery. This produced a recurrence rate of only 7% and a 15% treatment-related complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: In the New Zealand population, the incidence of AHO remains high with NZ Maori and Pacific Islanders overrepresented. The predominant pathogen remains S. aureus and our population has a very low incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus; flucloxacillin remains a good choice for empiric treatment in our population. Our rate of relapse and subsequent chronic osteomyelitis is low. This could be explained by traditionally longer antibiotic courses; however, this may also lead to increased treatment-related complications. Through prompt and accurate diagnosis with the aid of laboratory and radiologic tests and effective treatment with appropriate antibiotics (guided by local pathogen sensitivities) and surgical treatment when indicated, AHO can be well managed with minimal severe complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.

Pediatric calcaneal osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis continues to be a common problem amongst the pediatric population. Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is an uncommon problem that still poses a problem to the treating physician. The purpose of this article is to retrospectively review a large series of pediatric patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis. We compare our experience with that in the literature to determine any factors that may aid earlier diagnosis and or improve treatment outcomes. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review was performed of clinical records of all cases of pediatric calcaneal osteomyelitis managed at the 2 children's orthopaedic departments in the Auckland region. The Osteomyelitis Database was used to identify all cases between 1997 and 2007, at Starship Children's Hospital, and 1998 and 2008 at Middlemore's Kids First Hospital. RESULTS: Sixty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and had a review of clinical notes and relevant investigations. The average duration of symptoms before presentation to hospital was 6.8 days. About 40% of patients had a recent episode of trauma. About 82% of patients could not bear weight on admission. Only 22% of patients had a temperature above 38°C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 81% and the C-reactive protein was elevated in 77% of patients. About 27% of patients had positive blood cultures with Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly cultured organism. X-rays, bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging were all used to aid the diagnosis. About 20% of patients had surgery with an average of 1.3 surgeries for those who progressed to surgery. Treatment length was an average of 2 weeks 6 days of intravenous antibiotics followed by 3 weeks 2 days of oral treatment. There were no postsurgical complications and 10 readmissions: 3 for relapse, 3 for peripherally inserted central catheter line problems, and 4 for antibiotic-associated complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although sometimes more difficult to diagnose, calcaneal osteomyelitis can be diagnosed with an appropriate history, clinical examination, and investigations. Treatment with intravenous and oral antibiotics and surgical debridement if indicated can lead to a good clinical outcome with minimal complications.