INTERVERTEBRAL-DISK SPACE INFECTION - ANOTHER LOW-BACK SYNDROME OF YOUNG

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 141  (1) , 23-27
Abstract
Pyogenic disc space infection is a rare and unappreciated cause of low back pain. A young man is reported with chronic low back pain and the HLA-B27 antigen which initially led to the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. Serial lumbar radiographs and bone scan established an inflammatory lesion involving the L2-L3 intervertebral disc space, and persistently normal sacroiliac joints. A needle biopsy and culture of the disc space yielded Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment with antibiotics, bed rest and back bracing resulted in a complete resolution of symptoms and healing of the vertebral lesion. The clinical, laboratory and radiographic features of intervertebral disc space infection and pitfalls in its diagnosis are reviewed.

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