Pediatric osteomyelitis: III. anaerobic microorganisms.

Primary osteomyelitis consequent to obligate anaerobic microorganisms represents an infrequently encountered type of infection in pediatric patients. Unlike osteomyelitis caused by more common microorganisms such as Staphylococcus, children with osseous lesions due to anaerobic microorganisms are frequently minimally symptomatic and rarely present the classic signs of fulminant osteomyelitis. Radiographically, the lesions may mimic malignant osseous tumors. Fastidious microbiologic analysis of the material obtained at surgery is necessary to isolate obligate anaerobes. Basic treatment, comprising surgical drainage and appropriate antimicrobial agents, does not differ from that for osteomyelitis caused by aerobic or by facultative anaerobic microorganisms.