Diagnosis and Management of Osteomyelitis in Children

Purpose of Review Pediatric osteomyelitis is a condition involving infection of the bone in children. It necessitates rapid diagnosis and treatment. It is important for a medical practitioner to be familiar with this condition. We review the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis, as well as treatment and the following up of this condition in children. Recent Findings Different causative organisms require unique diagnosis and treatment approaches. Establishing the diagnosis often requires multiple diagnostic modalities. Differential diagnosis requires excluding noninfectious causes such as malignancies and bone infarcts. There is no consensus regarding the nature or duration of pharmacological or surgical treatment. The most common complications are myositis and pyomyositis contiguous to the site of inflammation, venous thrombosis, and thrombophlebitis. Summary Osteomyelitis in children is a dangerous yet a well-studied clinical condition. Nowadays, a physician can and should be well capable in coping with the challenges of diagnosing and treating this disease.