Abstract
BACKGROUND: Transphyseal hematogenous osteomyelitis(THO) has been considered a potential cause of severe sequelae due to its damage to the growth plate. It has been reported that growth disturbance would take place if the area of involvement exceeds 7%. However, the growth plate seems to have more potential to recover and regain normal function. CASE PRESENTATION: We report three cases of hematogenous osteomyelitis(HO) in children (ages 9 weeks, 4 years, and 13 years respectively ) with significant physeal involvement. All patients underwent surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. Follow-up assessments demonstrated full recovery, with normal knee movements, no pain and equal limb length. Complete recovery of the physeal plate morphology and normal subsequent development were observed. CONCLUSIONS: THO in children may have the chance of complete recovery after proper treatment, suggesting that the physeal plate has a great potential for self-recovery. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.