Abnormal syndrome of iliac osteomyelitis presenting as acute appendicitis.

A case of right iliac osteomyelitis initially misdiagnosed and treated as acute appendicitis is reported. Deep-seated right lower quadrant pain persisted and a gluteal abscess appeared in the immediate post-operative period. The gluteal abscess was incised and it continued to discharge pus until appropriate diagnosis and treatment was instituted. Pain due to iliac osteomyelitis is deep-seated and may radiate to the thighs or lumbar region. Compression and distraction of the pelvis elicits pain in the affected ilium.