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Published on: May 26, 2023
Septic Iliopsoas Bursitis After Intra-articular Methylprednisolone Injection to the Hip: A Case Report
Alexander M Crawford1, Philip T Grisdela1, James H Maguire2
1Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Case:
We describe the case of a 74-year-old man who developed severe hip pain several days after an intra-articular methylprednisolone injection to his right hip. Culture of the ipsilateral iliopsoas bursa revealed a Staphylococcus lugdunensis infection, which was successfully eradicated through irrigation and debridement as well as antibiotics.
Conclusion:
Infection after hip injection is a known theoretical risk but is rarely reported in the literature. We present a case of septic bursitis after corticosteroid injection. Readers should be mindful that these complications do occur in clinical practice and portend significant morbidity.
Insights
Severe hip pain after corticosteroid injection can signal infection. A Staphylococcus lugdunensis infection of the iliopsoas bursa was successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Infectious diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are common for hip pain.
- Infection is a rare but serious complication of hip injections.
- Septic bursitis can occur following these procedures.
