Hip pain and cauda equina syndrome
R G Kavanagh1, N G Burke, C Green
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7. richkavanagh@rcsi.ie
Irish Medical Journal
|November 29, 2013
Summary
A rare case of acute cauda equina syndrome caused by a psoas abscess leading to a spinal epidural abscess is presented. Prompt surgical decompression and antibiotic therapy led to a favorable outcome.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Psoas abscesses rarely cause spinal epidural abscesses.
- Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a surgical emergency.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old presented with hip pain, systemic infection, and CES symptoms.
- Imaging revealed a spinal epidural abscess secondary to a psoas abscess.
Findings:
- Urgent posterior decompression was performed.
- CT-guided drainage of the psoas abscess and antibiotic treatment were administered.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious complication of psoas abscesses.
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are crucial for good outcomes in CES.
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