Obturator internus muscle abscess in a child: a case report

Abstract

The authors report a case of abscess in the obturator internus muscle, which is a rare occurrence. It was managed with antibiotics and surgical intervention was not necessary. Pyomyositis involving the muscles around the hip needs to be differentiated from septic arthritis and transient synovitis of the hip because these pathologies more commonly afflict this joint. However, when present, abscesses usually affect the psoas or the glutei. Only rarely is the obturator internus involved by the abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice to image the obturator internus and to ascertain the diagnosis. Lack of awareness of the existence of this condition leads to a delay in the correct diagnosis.