Focal osseous lesions in congenital lues.

Five babies, aged between one to three months presented with clinical and serological evidence of syphilis. In addition to the usual periosteal and metaphyseal bone lesions of lues, areas of focal lucencies and sequestra were present. The association of sequestra in focal diaphyseal erosions may represent a non-dystrophic manifestation of the disease. The lesions were attributed to the syphilitic process. Trivial trauma to disorganised metaphyses, dystrophic changes and possibly focal osteomyelitis account for the spectrum of bone lesions in congenital syphilis. No tubular bone appears immune to these processes.