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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
Group C streptococcal psoas abscess associated with a homolateral hip joint prosthesis infection: a case report
L Querton1, M Tintillier, A Chaput
1Department of General Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Clinique Sainte-Elisabeth, Place Louise Godin, 15, 5000 Namur, Belgium.
Abstract:
An abscess in the psoas muscle is rare and frequently misdiagnosed. A delay in the diagnosis can increase its mortality rate. Some clinical signs can help the clinician but they all are not always present, and not at the same time. We describe in this paper a case report of an association between a psoas abscess and a homolateral hip joint prosthesis infection. It was suspected because of no improvement in clinical state despite treatment of the abscess by antibiotics and drainage, and it required finally other complementary therapeutic solutions. The pathogenic microorganism was a group C streptococcus. We discuss all these points and thereafter we suggest some recommendations for the clinician.
Insights
Psoas abscesses are rare and often misdiagnosed, increasing mortality risk. This case highlights a psoas abscess associated with hip prosthesis infection, requiring advanced treatment beyond antibiotics and drainage.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Psoas abscesses are uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and increased mortality.
- Clinical signs for psoas abscesses are not always present simultaneously, complicating diagnosis.
- Association between psoas abscess and homolateral hip joint prosthesis infection is rare.
Observation:
- A case report details an association between a psoas muscle abscess and a homolateral hip joint prosthesis infection.
- Initial antibiotic treatment and drainage of the abscess did not lead to clinical improvement.
- Persistence of symptoms despite standard treatment suggested a more complex underlying issue, necessitating further investigation.
Findings:
- The co-occurrence of a psoas abscess and infected hip prosthesis was identified.
- Group C streptococcus was identified as the pathogenic microorganism responsible for the infection.
- The lack of clinical improvement indicated the need for additional therapeutic interventions beyond initial abscess management.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering prosthetic joint infection in patients with psoas abscesses, especially those with persistent symptoms.
- Diagnostic challenges associated with psoas abscesses necessitate a high index of suspicion and comprehensive evaluation.
- The findings suggest a need for tailored treatment protocols for complex cases involving coexisting psoas abscesses and prosthetic joint infections.
