Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Infectious arthritis of a lumbar facet joint
J A González-Ferrández1, E Pascual
1Sección de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
Abstract:
Infectious arthritis of a lumbar facet joint is exceptional; only nine cases have been reported previously. We describe an additional case caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The standard radiographs of the lumbar spine were considered normal. The infection was ultimately detected with bone scintigraphy and precisely localized with computed tomography scan. Because of difficulties of imaging facet joints, infections at this site may be under diagnosed. This patient's severe lumbar pain responded fully to oral antibiotic therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes