Pubic osteomyelitis in athletes.

Introduction. - Pubic osteomyelitis has been described in three situations: children in whom Staphylococcus aureus is the preeminent pathogen; elderly patients who have undergone genitourinary procedures, and parenteral drug abusers. In contrast, pubic osteomyelitis in athletes has been described le ss often. We report three cases of acute staphylococcal pubic osteomyelitis in young athletic men and present a review of the literature. Exegesis. - The clinical presentation in each case was acute groin, hip, or perineal pain; fever; inability to bear weight; and pubic symphysis tender ness. The diagnosis was established by blood culture and radiologic changes . Conclusions. - Staphylococcus aureus pubic osteomyelitis should be suspecte d in athletes who have febrile hip or groin pain. The pathogenesis of this disease is thought to involve preexisting trauma or athletic injury and sub sequent seeding of this area during transient bacteremia. Prolonged antimic robial therapy is required far the cure, and debridement with curettage may be necessary if patients have persistent infection or sequestra. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.