Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Osteomyelitis of the Pubic Symphysis as a Complication of Bladder Neck Suspension Procedure with Use of Bone Anchors: A Case Report

Tomoaki Koakutsu, Masanori Kawamura, Ko Takada and Eiji Itoi

Bladder neck suspension procedure using bone anchors in the pubic bone is employed as the standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence. A 76-year-old woman who had an osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis following this procedure is presented. She complained of lower abdomen, suprapubic, and left groin pain after she had received an operation for urinary incontinence. The pain persisted and gradually led to gait disturbance. Hematology showed mild inflammation, plain radiograph and computed tomography of the pelvis revealed osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis and retropubic abscess. Bone anchors and the attached suture material were removed, necrotic bone was curetted. After the surgery, her pain decreased and urinary incontinence remained improved. Osteomyelitis of the pubic bone is uncommon entity that must be recognized in elderly women who received an operation for stress urinary incontinence.