Acute osteomyelitis in children is primarily Ra
clinical diagnosis based on the rapid onset Ra
nd localization of symptoms. Systemic Rs
ymptoms such as fever, lethargy, and irri-Rt
ability may be present. The physical exami-Rn
ation should focus on identifying common Rfi
ndings, such as erythema, soft tissue swell-Ri
ng or joint effusion, decreased joint range Ro
f motion, and bony tenderness. The iden-Rt
ification of a bacterial infection may be dif-Rfi
cult because blood cultures are positive in Ro
nly about one-half of cases.R1
5R
Because of the Rd
ifficulty of diagnosis, the potential sever-Ri
ty of infection in children, the high disease Rr
ecurrence rate in adults, and the possible Rn
eed for surgical intervention, consultation Rw
ith an infectious disease subspecialist and Ra
n orthopedic subspecialist or plastic sur-Rg
eon is advised.