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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
A Brodie's abscess with soft tissue collection-complicating an already difficult diagnosis
Ben Gabbott1, Giles Faria2, George Lawson3
1Junior Orthopaedic Educational Fellow, Trauma and Orthopaedic Department, St Georges University Hospital, London SW17 0QT, UK.
Abstract:
A healthy 14-year-old boy with a 3-month history of thigh pain and swelling is referred to a specialist centre with an uncertain diagnosis. After extensive tests and imaging a Brodie's abscess is diagnosed. The abscess is complicated by a fistula (cloaca) through the cortical bone of the femur, resulting in a large complex soft tissue collection. This is a presentation, we are unaware has been documented in any literature. After specialist multi-team combined management (Paediatric Trauma and Orthopaedic and Paediatric Infectious Diseases), the patient undergoes two surgical procedures, and extensive antibiotic cover. The patient makes a good recovery with no long lasting sequelae to date.
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