Pyogenic sacroiliac joint infection.

Sacroiliac joint infection is relatively uncommon. Since 1974, Staphylococcus aureus was the pathogen in 11 of 12 cases of pyogenic infection of the sacroiliac joint. Ten of the 12 cases were acute. All were treated with at least six weeks of antibiotics. Surgery was necessary in 11 of the 12 cases. Intraoperative specimens gave positive cultures in ten of 11 cases. All had a satisfactory result. This condition may be more common than previously thought. A careful history and physical examination are especially important. It should be treated early and aggressively to give optimum results. The indications for surgery are still uncertain.