Tuberculous osteomyelitis of the lumbosacral region: a spinal epidural abscess with presacral extension.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Tuberculous osteomyelitis in the lumbosacral region is an uncommon occurrence, and its treatment is not well-defined in the literature, particularly when it is associated with abscess formation. We present the outcome of a patient who had an epidural abscess with presacral extension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A 30-year-old man had microbiologically confirmed tuberculous infection of the lumbosacral vertebrae complicated by extensive abscess formation. After a trial of chemotherapy, the infection proved refractory, and the treatment proceeded with abscess drainage through the anterior route.

RESULTS:

Approximately 1 year after surgery, the patient was symptom-free and did not show any significant radiologic changes.

CONCLUSION:

Antituberculous chemotherapy combined with anterior surgery seems to be beneficial in the setting of lumbosacral osteomyelitis complicated by epidural abscess formation with presacral extension.

• Authors: Orhan Buyukbebeci, Gunhan Karakurum, Akif Guleç, Ahmet Erbagci
• Journal: Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery (Arch Orthop Trauma Surg) Vol. 124 Issue 5 Pg. 346-8 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 0936-8051 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15069571 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antitubercular Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Antitubercular Agents (therapeutic use)
• Epidural Abscess (complications, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Lumbosacral Region
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Osteomyelitis (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy, microbiology)
• Spinal Diseases (complications, diagnosis)
• Tuberculosis, Spinal (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)