Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. An unusual cause of compartment syndrome in a child.

Acute compartment syndrome of the leg developed in a 4-year-old child due to acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the proximal fibula. Because of its unusual presentation, the diagnosis of osteomyelitis initially was missed. This report suggests that the diagnosis of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the proximal part of the fibula should be considered in young children who present with acute compartment syndrome of the leg and who have no history of recent surgery or trauma.