A rare case of primary psoas abscess causing hip pain in a patient with hip replacement.

Abstract

The number of primary hip replacement procedures performed each year has exponentially increased, with a subsequent increase in associated revision procedures. Prosthetic infection is a serious concern for all arthroplasty surgeons. Psoas abscess is a rare condition with unknown etiology, and diagnosis is often missed or delayed, with subsequent increased morbidity, mortality and even possible inappropriate management. We report a patient presenting with a total hip replacement complaining of sepsis and right hip pain. No focus for the infection was isolated and an open washout of the right hip was performed due to suspected prosthesis infection. Investigations identified a psoas abscess with no evidence of prosthesis loosening. The psoas abscess was drained and the patient improved without the need to revise the prosthesis.