Spinal Epidural Abscess


Epidemiology

Risk Factors for Spinal Epidural Abscess


Spinal Cord Anatomy and Physiology

Spinal Cord

Epidural Space


Etiology

Bacteremia with Hematogenous Spread to Epidural Space (approximately 50% of cases)

Contiguous Spread to Epidural Space (approximately 33% of cases)

Unknown Portal on Entry Into Epidural Space (up to 17% of cases)


Physiology

Patterns of Spread To/From Epidural Space

Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Injury in Spinal Epidural Abscess


Microbiologic Etiology


Diagnosis


Clinical Manifestations

Classical Triad of Clinical Symptoms/Signs

Clinical Stages

Typical Clinical Symptoms/Signs

Misdiagnosis/Mismanagement of Epidural Abscess [MEDLINE]

Complications


Treatment

Neurosurgical Drainage/Evacuation of Inflammatory Tissue

Therapeutic Needle Aspiration of Epidural Abscess

Antibiotics

Removal of Spinal Hardware

Corticosteroids (see Corticosteroids)

Post-Acute Care


Prognosis:


References

General

Epidemiology

Microbiology

Nocardia (see Nocardiosis)

Diagnosis

Treatment