Abscess After a Laparoscopic Appendectomy Presenting as Low Back Pain in a Professional Athlete

A professional baseball player presented to the orthopaedic clinic for a preseason assessment because of continued lumbar spine and flank pain. He had a laparoscopic appendectomy for a perforated appendix 8 months before his presentation. He was able to finish the previous season with only mild limitation. He presented with back pain that limited his activity. His examination was nonlocalizing, but subsequent computed tomography revealed a hepatic abscess. The abscess was drained; he was treated with intravenous antibiotics; and his symptoms resolved.