PELVIC ABSCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE PURULENT INFECTION OF THE HIP JOINT

¹ The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati

1. A secondary iliac abscess, arising from extension through the lymphatics to the external iliac glands, may be a relatively frequent complication of acute purulent infection of the hip joint.

2. This association of lesions presents a most difficult diagnostic problem in the acutely ill child.

3. Otitis media and mastoiditis are frequently associated with pyarthrosis of the hip joint.

4. The primary therapy of acute purulent infection of the hip joint should be general and supportive in type with immobilization of the extremity by traction.

5. Drainage of the iliac abscess accompanying hip-joint infection may best be accomplished in most cases by an adductor incision.

6. If immobilization is adequately applied and the patient is under close observation, surgical drainage of the hip joint may not be necessary.

7. The degree of function following acute purulent infection of the hip joint is variable, ranging from excellent motion to complete ankylosis.

8. The question is offered: Are pelvic abscesses frequent but previously unrecognized complications of acute purulent infection of the hip joint?

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