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.