A case report: Osteomyelitis of the ischiopubic synchondrosis with abscess formation

Abstract

Osteomyelitis of the ischiopubic synchondrosis is an uncommon condition with high morbidity rates that present with nonspecific symptoms in the pediatric population. In this article, we report a case of a 10-year-old female who presented with right hip pain and fever following a trivial trauma. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. Despite negative blood culture and deceptively normal plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated osteomyelitis of the ischiopubic synchondrosis with intra-osseous and intra-muscular abscess which was managed surgically by incision and drainage. We highlight the clinical importance of familiarity with such uncommon condition and the role of early magnetic resonance imaging in establishing the diagnosis to facilitate prompt surgical intervention.

Keywords

• Ischiopubic synchondrosis (IPS)
• Osteomyelitis
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)