[Infectious osteoarthritis of the pubis in sportmen. Apropos of 2 cases].

In athletes, osteoarthritis of the symphysis pubis is an uncommon condition that should be promptly differentiated from pubic pain due to microtrauma. The symphysis pubis is infected via the bloodstream, usually by a staphylococcus. Pubic pain with fever and severe disability suggests the diagnosis. Increased uptake of bone-seeking radionuclides is an early finding. Microbiological and histological studies of specimens obtained under radiological guidance confirm the diagnosis. Two new cases of pubic osteoarthritis in young athletes are reported. In one case the causative organism was a Peptostreptococcus, a gram-positive commensal organism normally found on the skin and mucous membranes.