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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
[Abscess of obturator internal muscle]
Skander Abid1, Salah Boujelben, Mongi Mighri
1Service de Chirurgie Générale, Hôpital M.T Maamouri Nabeul.
Abstract:
The abscess of obturator internal muscle is a rare disorder. The literature states only sporadic cases. Because of its rarity, the diagnosis is often late. Indeed, the presence of functional disability of the lower limb associated to a made septic syndrome evoke in the first of all, arthritis of the hip. We bring back (report) an observation illustrating the difficulties and the delay diagnosis of an abscess of the obturator internal muscle. It is about a ten year old girl having consulted for a septic syndrome with functional disability of the hip. The patient having been treated (handled) at the beginning for a cold of the hip. Secondarily she was operated for septic arthritis of the hip. The surgical investigation showed it self negative. It is only to the pelvien scanner realized after ten days of hospitalization that the diagnostic of abscess was reserved. The evolution has been favourable after surgical drainage and antibiotherapie.
Insights
Obturator internus muscle abscess is a rare condition often diagnosed late. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including surgical drainage and antibiotics, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Abscess of the obturator internus muscle is a rare condition.
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to non-specific initial symptoms.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old girl presented with hip functional disability and septic syndrome.
- Initial treatment focused on hip arthritis, with negative surgical findings for septic arthritis.
- Pelvic CT scan after 10 days revealed the obturator internus abscess.
Findings:
- The case highlights diagnostic challenges and delays in identifying obturator internus abscess.
- Successful treatment involved surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of considering rare diagnoses like obturator internus abscess in cases of unexplained hip pain and sepsis.
- Highlights the utility of advanced imaging like CT scans for accurate diagnosis.
- Underscores the need for timely and appropriate management to ensure positive patient outcomes.
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