Pubic Osteomyelitis in a Combat Training Soldier: a Case Report

We believe that this is the first reported case of a military trainee presenting with pubic osteomyelitis (POM). We present a unique case of a patient who simultaneously suffered a combination of local recurrent stress to the symphysis pubis area, and a probable distant port of bacterial entry that concomitantly led to his illness. Despite its rarity, when treating combat trainees or athletes in whom daily life involves extensive physical training coupled with potential ports of bacterial entry, one should be aware of the potential for infectious POM. A fuller understanding of the pathophysiology can contribute to a more accurate diagnosis, and possible prevention of this potentially devastating disease.