We reviewed the records of sixteen patients with osteomyelitis of the
pelvis, all of whom were fifteen years old or younger. Eleven of the
patients were followed for an average of 3.5 years (range, two to nine
years). Pelvic osteomyelitis in children is an uncommon lesion. Review of
the literature gives the impression that this lesion is usually diagnosed
late in its course and requires surgical drainage for adequate treatment.
The role of the technetium bone scan in making an early diagnosis is
important. All of the patients in this series were treated with antibiotic
therapy alone, and surgical drainage was not found to be necessary. All of
the patients who were followed for at least two years had no recurrence and
no permanent sequelae.