Pyomyositis of the iliacus muscle in a child

Pyomyositis is rarely seen in temperate climates. Typically, it presents wi th the formation of an abscess requiring surgical drainage and it has been reported as a differential diagnosis for septic arthritis of the hip. We describe the occurrence of pyomyositis of the iliacus muscle in a ten-ye ar-old girl which was diagnosed by MRI and blood culture. Formation of an a bscess did not occur despite marked focal inflammation and swelling of the muscle, Conservative treatment with antibiotics alone led to complete clini cal and radiological resolution of the infection. We could find no previous description of pyomyositis in a child in the Brit ish orthopaedic literature. Orthopaedic surgeons, particularly those with a paediatric interest, should be aware of this condition and its presentatio n, diagnosis and treatment.