Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis in an 11-year-old boy.

Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis is a rare condition but one which has typical clinical characteristics and known risk factors. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all children presenting with groin or hip pain that is exacerbated when walking. Clinical suspicion should prompt magnetic resonance imaging. We report such a case in an 11-year-old boy, discuss current knowledge of its epidemiology and microbiology, and outline recommended practice for investigation and treatment.