EPIPHYSEAL PHOTOPENIA ASSOCIATED WITH METAPHYSEAL OSTEOMYELITIS AND SUBPERIOSTEAL ABSCESS

We present a case of metaphyseal osteomyelitis in a child where bone s cintigraphy demonstrated photopenia of the distal femoral epiphysis in the absence of infection of the epiphysis or the joint space. A subse quent bone scan demonstrated evolution of the vascular compromise of t he epiphysis due to the metaphyseal osteomyelitis complicated by subpe riosteal abscess. We discuss the mechanisms and implications of photop enia in the setting of acute bone and joint infection.