Acute Pyogenic Osteomyelitis of the Pubic Bone in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Mimicking Fracture of the Pubic Bone and Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip

INTRODUCTION: Pubic bone osteomyelitis is atypical, and the diagnosis is often overlooked. It may present as osteitis pubis, fracture, or noninfectious inflammation of the pubic symphysis. Case Report. We report a case of a 65-year-old lady who has systemic lupus erythematosus with acute pyogenic osteomyelitis of the pubic bone who presented initially with a suspicious healing pubic rami fracture and periprosthetic infection of the hip joint. CONCLUSION: Acute osteomyelitis of the pubic bone has often an infrequent and delayed presentation. Clinical awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment including surgical debridement and long-term antibiotics can prevent ongoing morbidities such as chronic osteomyelitis, pain, and deformities of pelvic bone and joints.