[Metaphyseal channel and serpiginous tract in osteomyelitis: literature review apropos of 2 cases].

The so-called "metaphyseal channel" and "serpiginous tract" signs are described in detail, emphasizing their value in the roentgen diagnosis and differential diagnosis of some bone lesions. The authors present two cases of osteomyelitis, one of the chronic type and the other subacute in two adult patients, to illustrate the value of the above radiologic signs. These have been previously described in the long bones of infants and children only. The serpiginous tract sign is reported, for the first time, in a flat bone.