Pyogenic arthritis of the hip following an occult open fracture of the pubic rami - A case report

Abstract

Most of the open pelvic fractures are associated with skin wounds of varying anatomy. Injuries of the pelvis, which only momentarily communicate with the exterior or into a hollow organ are often difficult to diagnose. We managed a patient with an occult open displaced fracture of the pubic rami that had probably torn the hip capsule and was not recognised on admission as the open wound was in the vaginal wall. It subsequently resulted in septic arthritis of the ipsilateral hip joint. Vaginal and rectal examination in grossly displaced pelvic fractures should be done to diagnose at an early stage any occult open wound which may pose high risk of contamination of the fracture site.