Pubic symphysis osteomyelitis associated with costal osteitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus after trauma: A case

Raghda Bouazra1, Afef Feki2, Imen Sellami3

  • 1Rheumatology Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia.

PubMed

Insights

Osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis, a rare infection often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, requires prompt diagnosis. Early antibiotic treatment can lead to recovery without surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedics
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis is a rare infectious condition.
  • Commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Observation:

  • A 16-year-old presented with fever and inflammatory pygalgia (pelvic pain).
  • Elevated C-reactive protein and sedimentation rate were noted.
  • Imaging revealed bone lysis, pubic symphysis destruction, and a pelvic collection.

Findings:

  • Bacteriological examination identified methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.
  • The patient received 2 months of antibiotic therapy.
  • Clinical and radiological improvement was observed without surgical intervention.

Implications:

  • Pubic symphysis osteomyelitis can present atypically, leading to misdiagnosis.
  • Early and adequate antibiotic treatment is crucial for successful recovery.
  • This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
215
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
160
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
127
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
193
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
181
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
237