Osteomyelitis variolosa: a report of two cases

Abstract

We present 2 patients with osteomyelitis variolosa in both elbow joints--sequelae of smallpox. The condyles were elongated and the central portions of the distal humeri were absorbed and the elbow joints were unstable. One of the patients sustained a closed fracture of the distal humerus. The fracture united uneventfully following stabilisation and bone grafting. At the 13-year follow-up, the patient had satisfactory elbow function.