Haematogenous osteomyelitis of the patella in a child.

Osteomyelitis of the patella is rare; it essentially occurs in child age. The diagnosis is difficult because of its variable presentation; it should always be considered in patients with persistent peripatellar pain and swelling. This paper reports one case of haematogenous osteomyelitis of the patella not associated with septic knee arthritis. The identification of the organism was performed by the injection-aspiration fluid technique. Treatment is identical to the treatment of osteomyelitis at other locations. The literature is also reviewed and discussed.