Which statement about acute osteomyelitis is true?

Which statement about acute osteomyelitis is true?

• A. Self-Limiting Disorder
• B. Occurs More Frequently in Females Than Males
• C. Peak Ages Infancy and Preadolescence
• D. Most Common Sites Are Radius and Ulna

Answer: (C)

In children, acute osteomyelitis from bloodstream spread tends to seed the metaphysis of growing bones, and there are two peak age groups: infancy and preadolescence. During infancy the metaphyseal vessels are large and sluggish, making seeding by bacteria more likely, while in preadolescence rapid bone growth and changes in blood supply again predispose to infection. This pattern explains why the statement about peak ages being infancy and preadolescence is true. It’s also important to remember that this condition is not self-limiting and requires prompt antibiotic therapy, sometimes with drainage. The most common sites are the metaphyses of long bones such as the femur, tibia, and humerus; the radius and ulna are less commonly involved, and there is a male predominance in pediatric cases.

In children, acute osteomyelitis from bloodstream spread tends to seed the metaphysis of growing bones, and there are two peak age groups: infancy and preadolescence. During infancy the metaphyseal vessels are large and sluggish, making seeding by bacteria more likely, while in preadolescence rapid bone growth and changes in blood supply again predispose to infection. This pattern explains why the statement about peak ages being infancy and preadolescence is true. It’s also important to remember that this condition is not self-limiting and requires prompt antibiotic therapy, sometimes with drainage. The most common sites are the metaphyses of long bones such as the femur, tibia, and humerus; the radius and ulna are less commonly involved, and there is a male predominance in pediatric cases.