An infective cause for the limping child.

A 7-year-old girl presented with left hip pain and a limp, in the absence of any other systemic features, having recently been treated for a urinary tract infection. Examination revealed limited active hip movements on the left, with a tendency to weight bear on the contralateral side. Biochemical investigations were significant for raised inflammatory markers, and subsequent MRI imaging revealed osteomyelitis of the left pubis and ischium with an associated large soft tissue collection. Treatment was bimodal with surgical drainage and long-term antibiotics. The patient consequently recovered, without significant effect on either growth or mobility.