Pediatric pelvic osteomyelitis

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2007 Nov;46(9):787-90. doi: 10.1177/0009922807303810. Epub 2007 Jul 19.

Abstract

Pelvic osteomyelitis is unusual in children. We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with this infection seen at our institution. From 1998 to 2005, 31 patients with pelvic osteomyelitis were identified: 19 males and 12 females with an age range of 1.5 months to 17 years 9 months. Duration of illness prior to admission ranged from 1 day to 2.5 months. Chief complaints included nonspecific pain, fever, limp, and decreased weight bearing. Microorganisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Enterobacter cloacae, and Kingella kingae. Bones involved were acetabulum/ilium (22 patients), ischium (7 patients), and pubis (4 patients); 2 patients had several bones involved. Imaging studies performed included magnetic resonance imaging (21 patients), computed tomography (14 patients), and nuclear bone scan (25 patients). Our study, the largest contemporary series of pediatric pelvic osteomyelitis from one institution, highlights the consequences of prolonged duration of illness and delayed diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Medical Records
  • Osteomyelitis / drug therapy
  • Osteomyelitis / microbiology
  • Osteomyelitis / physiopathology*
  • Pelvic Infection / drug therapy
  • Pelvic Infection / microbiology
  • Pelvic Infection / physiopathology*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents