Septic arthritis of the hip associated with supra-acetabular external fixation of unstable pelvic ring: a case report.

External fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries is a common method of stabilization often used for definitive management.1,3 Pin site infections frequently occur, but typically respond to local treatment.2,4 Pin site infections progressing to septic arthritis are rare but disabling occurrences. Septic arthritis secondary to pin tract infection has been reported to occur in 2–10% of cases involving the extremities. In contrast, there are no reported occurrences for pelvic ring fixation.5,6 We present a case of septic hip arthritis which presumably developed as a result of communication between an anterior supra-acetabular half-pin and the joint.