ULTRASOUND IN CHILDREN WITH OSTEOMYELITIS

Ultrasound (US) is a proven method of identifying subperiosteal absces s formation in osteomyelitis, but its precise role in the management o f children with the condition is contentious. We reviewed nine childre n in whom US was used in the management of long bone osteomyelitis, in cluding ribs. US was helpful in confirming the presence of a subperios teal abscess in those children with an appropriate history and localiz ing signs. In these circumstances a bone scan is unnecessary. Problems were encountered when US failed to identify a subperiosteal abscess, because of the early stage of the disease process, and in multifocal a bnormalities. In these circumstances a bone scan should still be perfo rmed.