We report a female infant, born at 35 weeks' gestation, who presented with
pyrexia followed by tender swelling of the left leg. Blood culture grew Sta
phylococcus aureus. Technetium bone scan at 9 days of age was negative. Sub
sequent X-rays showed definite changes of osteomyelitis. She made a good re
covery without any surgical intervention. Bone scans can be misleading in t
he neonatal period.