Management of pyogenic sacroilitis: an update

Sacroiliac joint tuberculosis revisited - A clinico-radiological review

Osteoarticular Tuberculosis (TB) of the Sacroiliac (SI) joint is an uncommon site affected by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis infection. The SI joint is involved in approximately 5-10% of all cases of TB. Diagnosis of SI joint TB can be delayed in early stages due to its varied and hidden presentation and probability of being confused with other spinal diseases. Delay in diagnosis can lead to chronic pain, joint destruction, and a natural progression to symptomatic bony ankylosis. A focused clinical examination, complementary imaging, microbiological and histopathological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis can direct a targeted therapy. Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT) regime remains a cornerstone in the overall management of SI joint TB. Early diagnosis allows conservative or non-operative management. Surgical interventions like abscess drainage, debridement, and arthrodesis with or without bone grafting may be required to achieve an excellent functional outcome.

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus Sacroiliitis Following Gastroscopy in a Young Sportsman

We report a case of Aggregatibacter aphrophilus sacroiliitis in a young sportsman, presenting 48 hours after endoscopy and biopsy. Microbiological diagnosis was made only after repeated attempt at joint aspiration. The patient was cured after radiologically guided drainage and a prolonged course of directed antibiotics.

Pyogenic sacroiliitis and pyomyositis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematous

Pyogenic sacroiliitis and pyomyositis are uncommon infectious diseases and their diagnoses are often delayed. They are typically seen in children and young adults and are rare in middle-aged people especially in those affected by rheumatic diseases. We present the first case of a Staphylococcus aureus related pyogenic sacroiliitis associated with iliacus and gluteal pyomyositis occurring in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Antibiotic treatment was administered for a total of 6 weeks with a total recovery. Pyogenic sacroiliitis and pyomyositis, although remaining rare events, should be remembered as severe complications in immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory diseases. Early clinical suspicion, imaging diagnosis, and adequate therapy are decisive for the satisfactory outcome.

Pyogenic sacroiliitis in children: two case reports

Pyogenic sacroiliitis is rare and accounts for approximately 1-2% of osteoarticular infections in children. Considerable delay between presentation and diagnosis is recognized. Two cases of pyogenic sacroiliitis are described. The first case is a 28-month-old girl presented with acute onset of fever, pain in the left hip, and limpness. Computed tomography (CT), bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis showed characteristic findings of infectious sacroiliitis, and blood cultures were negatives. The second case is a 13-year-old girl presented with acute onset of fever, pain in the right hip, and buttock, with inability to walk. The diagnosis of pyogenic sacroiliitis was confirmed by bone scans, and CT of the pelvis and blood cultures have identified Proteus mirabilis. The two children recovered fully after 6 weeks of antimicrobial therapy. Pyogenic sacroiliitis is an uncommon disease in children. The key to successful management is early diagnosis in which CT, bone scans, and MRI findings play a crucial role. If the diagnosis is established promptly, most patients can be managed successfully with antimicrobial therapy.

Management of pelvic instability secondary to chronic pyogenic sacroiliitis: case report

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic sacroiliitis is a rare musculoskeletal infection that is difficult to diagnose and treat. The consequences of delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment are often the formation of abscesses and sinuses, destructive osteomyelitis, and sequestration.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

A 26-year-old woman developed chronic destructive pyogenic sacroiliitis and gross pelvic instability. Over a two-month hospitalization, she required six extensive surgical debridements with application of cement spacer, negative-pressure closure, intravenous antibiotics, and complex definitive fixation of the pelvic ring with autografting and application of bone morphogenetic protein-7. Radiologic union of her symphysis pubis fusion was verified during the fifth postoperative month. Thirteen months postoperatively, the patient was walking freely without aids and reported pain-free function for most of her daily activities.

CONCLUSION

Chronic destructive pyogenic sacroiliitis is one of the most demanding infections of the musculoskeletal system. A successful outcome depends on prompt referral, appropriate antibiotic treatment, correct timing of surgical intervention, surgical expertise, and multidisciplinary follow up.