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Updated: May 18, 2026
06:02
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
Sequestered disc fragment mimicking a psoas abscess.
Carolina Kachramanoglou1, Simon F Farmer, David Choi
1Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom. c.kachramanoglou@ucl.ac.uk
Summary
A rare case of a herniated lumbar disc fragment migrating to the psoas muscle is presented. Correct diagnosis is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment for this confusing radiographic presentation.
Area of Science:
- Spinal surgery
- Radiology
- Orthopedic surgery
Background:
- Lumbar disc herniation can present with confusing radiographic findings when fragments migrate.
- Extruded disc fragments may move away from the spinal column, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- A rare case of a sequestrated lumbar disc fragment within the psoas muscle is detailed.
- The fragment was separate from the adjacent disc space.
- Imaging studies mimicked a psoas abscess.
Findings:
- Radiographic features of migrated disc fragments can be misleading.
- Psoas muscle involvement by disc fragments is an uncommon presentation.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of migrated disc fragments is essential.
- Avoiding unnecessary treatments like antibiotics or surgical drainage for presumed abscess is vital.
- Appropriate management prevents patient harm and optimizes outcomes.
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