Successful autogenous corticocancellous grafting of a radial defect complicating acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in an infant.

Recurrent osteomyelitis of the radius during infancy after initial hematogenous onset is rare. When encountered, this lesion may result in a segmental defect associated with limitation of forearm motion and progressive deformity. A 10-month-old girl developed distal radial osteomyelitis following bilateral otitis media. A radial defect developed and was treated successfully with autogenous tibial corticocancellous grafting. The surgical management of radial shaft defects is reviewed.