Osteomyelitis of the patella

Osteomyelitis of the patella is an uncommon infection that is primarily a d isease of childhood. The diagnosis frequently is delayed because of its rar ity and variable presentation, which may be acute with systemic signs or in sidious with mild local signs. The diagnosis should be considered in patien ts with persistent peripatellar pain and swelling, cellulitis, septic prepa tellar bursitis, and septic arthritis of the knee that does not respond to standard treatment. Treatment is identical to the treatment of osteomyeliti s at other locations. The outcome is favorable in the child regarding range of motion and activity, although there may be persistent changes radiograp hically.