SUBACUTE EPIPHYSEAL OSTEOMYELITIS: INCREASING INCIDENCE OR INCREASING AWARENESS?

In the last six months 6 cases of subacute epiphyseal osteomyelitis have presented to the Paediatric Orthopaedic Department at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. We present a clinical review of these cases illustrating the salient points in their varied presentation and management, together with the results of a retrospective analysis of the incidence of this rare condition. We ask “is there an increasing incidence of this rare condition or have we become increasingly aware of this potential diagnosis in children?”