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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
A case report of a septic hip secondary to a psoas abscess
Benan M Dala-Ali1, Mary-Anne Lloyd, Satish B Janipireddy
1North Middlesex University Hospital, Sterling Way, London- UK. benan@doctors.org.uk.
Abstract:
Psoas abscess was first described by Mynter in 1881. Though rare, its prevalence is increasing with advances in radiology and an increasing ability to accurately diagnose the condition. The symptoms of a psoas abscess can be insidious and nonspecific, and patients often present with a limp, fever, weight loss, and flank or abdominal pain.A psoas abscess can be classified as either primary or secondary depending on the presence or absence of an underlying disease. Primary psoas abscess has become more prevalent in the developed world, especially in immuno-compromised patients.We present the case of a 48 year old man who presented with fever, left hip pain and difficulty weight-bearing. He had a past medical history of chronic renal failure secondary to hypertension. Following laboratory, radiological and microbiological analyses the patient was diagnosed as having a Staphylococcus Aureus hip sepsis secondary to a psoas abscess.Psoas abscess should be included as a differential diagnosis in all patients presenting with hip pain and constitutional symptoms. The case is discussed with reference to the literature.
Insights
Psoas abscess, a rare but increasingly diagnosed condition, presents with vague symptoms like hip pain and fever. This case highlights Staphylococcus Aureus hip sepsis secondary to a psoas abscess in a patient with chronic renal failure.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Psoas abscess, first described in 1881, is a rare condition with increasing prevalence due to diagnostic advancements.
- Symptoms are often insidious and nonspecific, including limp, fever, weight loss, and flank or abdominal pain.
- Classified as primary or secondary, primary psoas abscess is more common in immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of Staphylococcus Aureus hip sepsis secondary to a psoas abscess.
- To emphasize the importance of considering psoas abscess in the differential diagnosis of hip pain with constitutional symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 48-year-old male with fever, left hip pain, and difficulty weight-bearing.
- Diagnostic workup included laboratory, radiological, and microbiological analyses.
- Patient had a history of chronic renal failure secondary to hypertension.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of Staphylococcus Aureus hip sepsis secondary to a psoas abscess.
- The patient presented with classic but nonspecific symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Psoas abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with hip pain and constitutional symptoms.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
- This case underscores the link between psoas abscess and secondary hip sepsis.
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