Suppurative myositis in children.

Three cases are reported of pyogenic (non-tuberculous) myositis involving the ilio-psoas and/or iliacus muscles in children presenting to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia, in a 12-month period. In one, cultures grew Haemophilus influenzae type B and in the other two Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. Biopsy of the abscess cavity from the second child confirmed an antecedent haematoma as the underlying cause. The third had underlying sacroiliac septic arthritis with a history of antecedent trauma. The classification, investigation, and treatment of myositis is discussed.