PERCUTANEOUS DRAINAGE OF SUBPERIOSTEAL ABSCESS - A POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR OSTEOMYELITIS

Objective. Intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage are the accep ted methods of treating osteomyelitis complicated by abscess formation . The objective of this study was to determine whether percutaneous dr ainage of subperiosteal abscess is a potential treatment for osteomyel itis. Materials and methods. Three pediatric patients with subperioste al abscesses from acute osteomyelitis had percutaneous drainage with s onographic and fluoroscopic guidance using a Seldinger technique and a n 8-F catheter. Results. Two patients required no further intervention and had the drainage catheter removed after 72 h. After completing a course of antibiotics they healed completely. One patient, after a wee k of purulent drainage, required open drainage including a bone debrid ement of an area of septic necrosis. Conclusion. Percutaneous drainage of subperiosteal abscess may be an alternative to surgical drainage w hen medical therapy alone is inadequate. Development of intraosseous a bscess, necrosis or persistent drainage suggests further intervention may be necessary.