Pubic symphysis osteomyelitis associated with costal osteitis caused by after trauma: A case report

Abstract

Osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis is a rare infectious disease commonly caused by the opportunistic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The clinical context includes fever, and pubic, or abdominal pain, thus should prompt a biological, microbiological, and radiological assessment. We report the case of a 16-year-old patient who developed inflammatory pygalgia in a febrile context laboratory examination showed an elevation of C-reactive protein and sedimentation rate. Pelvic X-rays and magnetic resonance showed bilateral bone lysis and destruction of the edges of the pubic symphysis, in addition to a pubic pelvic collection. Bacteriological examination revealed by methicillin-sensible S. aureus . The patient was put on antibiotic therapy for 2 months with good clinical and radiological evolution without surgical debridement. In conclusion, osteomyelitis of pubic symphysis can be misdiagnosed because of its atypical manifestations. Recovery is often achieved if adequate treatment is started early.