Pneumococcal Vertebral Osteomyelitis after Epidural Injection: A Rare Event

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Vertebral osteomyelitis is a serious spinal infection.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and bacteremia.
• Spinal infections following epidural procedures are uncommon.

Observation:

• A patient developed Streptococcus pneumoniae vertebral osteomyelitis.
• The infection presented with paraspinal and epidural abscesses.
• The onset followed an epidural injection procedure.

Findings:

• This is the second reported case of pneumococcal vertebral osteomyelitis linked to epidural manipulation.
• The case demonstrates a rare but serious complication of epidural injections.
• Concomitant bacteremia was identified in the patient.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of sterile techniques during epidural injections.
• Suggests considering Streptococcus pneumoniae in the differential diagnosis of vertebral infections post-procedure.
• Underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing and managing rare spinal infections.