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

• DOI: 10.1007/s00402-004-0660-y
• Publication Date: 2004-04-06T02:57:27Z
• Authors: Orhan Buyukbebeci; Gunhan Karakurum; Akif Gule�; Ahmet Erbagci
• Keywords: Lumbosacral joint; Epidural abscess; Epidural space; Refractory (planetary science)

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.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.Approximately 1 year after surgery, the patient was symptom-free and did not show any significant radiologic changes.Antituberculous chemotherapy combined with anterior surgery seems to be beneficial in the setting of lumbosacral osteomyelitis complicated by epidural abscess formation with presacral extension.