Septic Arthritis of the Pubic Symphysis in an Adolescent Athlete: A Rare and Atypical Presentation

Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis is an uncommon and often overlooked diagnosis, particularly in adolescents without clear risk factors. We report the case of a 20-year-old male who presented with atypical groin and hip pain following recent participation in a hurling match, and was ultimately diagnosed with septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis. The clinical presentation was subtle and non-specific, lacking typical signs of hip joint involvement. MRI imaging was crucial in establishing the diagnosis, and the patient responded well to targeted intravenous antibiotics. The patient received 14 days of intravenous antibiotics followed by dalbavancin and achieved full recovery by six weeks. This case highlights the importance of considering pubic symphysitis in the differential diagnosis of groin and thigh pain in athletic adolescents.