Obturator internus muscle abscess caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an adult: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Obturator internus muscle (OIM) abscess is a rare condition, usually affecting children after trauma or muscular effort. Blood cultures always yield positive findings, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common culprit. There are few reports in adults. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of OIM abscess in an adult. A 24-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of right hip pain and fever. He was diagnosed with OIM abscess, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected on bacterial examination. The patient was successfully treated with a surgical drainage procedure and antibiotics. DISCUSSION: There are only five reported cases of OIM abscess in adults. The patient had no history of recent hip trauma, but had intractable acronyx of the right great toe, which was being treated for 2 years. MRSA was also detected from cultures of samples obtained from the toe. A toe infection can lead to bacteremia. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we report the first case of OIM abscess in an adult caused by MRSA. Surgical drainage, debridement, and systemic antibiotic treatment were administered, resulting in a successful outcome.