The vanishing epiphyseal ossification center: a sequel to septic arthritis of childhood.

Radiographic disappearance of a previously ossified epiphyseal center may occur during the acute episode of septic arthritis, or during the healing phase after adequate treatment. The fact that the cartilage remains normal suggests that reparative revascularization, rather than enzymatic dissolution of bone and cartilage by the infecting organism, is responsible for the disappearance of the ossification center.