Osteomyelitis of the iliac crest: a rare complication following perforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency with numerous postoperative infective complications. We report an unusual case of iliac crest osteomyelitis as a late complication following emergency appendectomy for perforated gangrenous appendicitis.

METHODS

Review of the pertinent English language literature.

RESULTS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the English literature to describe iliac crest osteomyelitis as an infective complication of perforated gangrenous appendicitis. The diagnosis was made with the aid of magnetic resonance imaging and radioisotope bone scans. The complication was treated successfully with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and physiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Iliac crest osteomyelitis is indeed a rare complication of appendicitis. A heightened awareness and better understanding of this complication would necessitate early diagnosis and treatment.