Pseudomonas osteomyelitis of the symphysis pubis after inguinal hernia repair

Osteitis pubis (OP) is a term used to describe an entity characterised by s evere pelvic pain, a wide-based gait and bony destruction of the margins of the pubic symphysis. It is usually assumed that OP is a noninfectious, sel f-limiting, relatively benign condition. Infectious osteomyelitis of the sy mphysis pubis (IOSP) is very unusual and the clinical presentation can rese mble OP. IOSP following inguinal hernia repair is extremely rare. A case of IOSP caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is described. We reiterate the assum ption that IOSP can be misdiagnosed as OP.