title: Acute pubic osteomyelitis in athletes.
abstract: Three cases of pubic osteomyelitis in athletes are reported. The clinical presentation in each case was acute groin, hip, or perineal pain; fever; chills; inability to bear weight; and pubic symphysis tenderness. Since radiographic changes in the pubic bone can be delayed, a high index of suspicion is required by the clinician. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the dominant pathogen in pubic osteomyelitis, it is recommended that the diagnosis be established by culture of blood or pubic bone aspirate so that specific therapy can be instituted quickly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Alvin C. York Veterans Administration Medical Center, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Ukwu
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Latham
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D016470:Bacteremia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000382:microbiology*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*