Peculiarities of osteo-articular infections in children.

Paediatric osteomyelitis is uncommon in the developed world, haematogenous spread of infection being the most prevalent cause in children. The metaphyses of the long bones are the sites involved in most cases, but in neonates the infection may spread to the contiguous epiphysis and joint. Staphylococcus aureus is the main causal organism in all groups.