Spinal Abscess (Collection Of Pus)
Description
A collection of infectious material in the spine. The most common causes are a complication of surgery, spread from an infection in the blood, infection spread from an nearby infection, or from an injury that penetrates the spinal canal allowing bacteria to enter. This is a rare disorder but is more common in intravenous drug users and patients with a weakened immune system.
Symptoms
Back or neck pain, weakness, numbness, fever, skin redness.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests will be done to establish the diagnosis. A MRI is the most useful test to identify this disorder.
Standard Workup
- CBC
- Chem 12
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Intravenous antibiotics, Surgery to drain the infection may be necessary.
Related Videos
Spinal surgery
Nicholas Ahn, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at University...
Research
Spinal tuberculosis: the association between pedicle involvement and anterior column damage and kyphotic deformity.
Provided by: PubMed
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