Closed fractures complicated by acute hematogenous osteomyelitis.

Osteomyelitis developed at closed fracture sites in two children. The infection responded to antibiotic therapy, and the fractures healed without chronic infection developing, impairment of bone growth, or loss of function. It is rare for a closed fracture to develop acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, but the diagnosis should be considered in a child with a closed fracture in whom a fever develops or who complains of increasing pain after the fracture has been reduced and immobilized. In children, the condition has an excellent prognosis.