Brachial plexus palsy in young infants harboring osteomyelitis of the humerus

Abstract

We present an infant with brachial plexus palsy who had osteomyelitis of the humerus and summarize previously reported cases. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen in osteomyelitis in infants, group B Streptococcus is responsible for 40% of humeral osteomyelitis. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent long-term sequalae but is hampered by infants frequently being well and afebrile at presentation.