Clin Rheumatol. 1998 ; 17(4): 357-8.

Unilateral sacroiliitis as an unusual complication of acupuncture.

Lau SM, Chou CT, Huang CM.

Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.

Septic sacroiliitis is an uncommon disease and is rarely reported as a complication of acupuncture. We present a case of unilateral septic sarcoiliitis, which developed as a complication of acupuncture because of failure to sterilise the skin properly before treatment. Bone scan and computed tomography were positive for sacroiliitis. After a course of antibiotics with oxacillin for 6 weeks, the condition was completely improved. This case report stresses the importance of sterilisation procedures before acupuncture therapy.