Spinal abscess: a case series.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Spinal abscess is a rare but potentially devastating condition. We present a case series, looking into its presentation, risk factors, management and outcome. METHODS: Five patients over a 10 year period were identified, with a discharge diagnosis code of 'spinal abscess, 324.1' from the hospital computer database. RESULTS: Four out of five patients presented atypically. Prognosis corresponded to early diagnosis and surgical decompression. Risk factors included intravenous drug abuse, a compromised immune system and infection in another organ system. Magnetic resonance imaging was an important diagnostic tool for all. CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment of spinal abscesses remain cornerstones in improving the outcomes of the disease. From our series, risk factor assessment appear to be more useful than the classical triad of fever, spine pain and neurological deficits to screen ED patients with spine pain for spinal abscess.