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Possible salmonella osteomyelitis of spine following laser disc decompression
M J Farrar1, A Walker, P Cowling
1Department of Orthopaedics, Scunthorpe General Hospital, North Linconshire, UK.
Abstract:
We report a case of chronic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis that we believe was caused by Salmonella typhimurium following laser decompression of the L4/5 disc for symptomatic disc protrusion in a 50-year-old Asian man. The infection was successfully treated with intravenous ceftriaxone combined with oral ciprofloxacin. We believe this to be the only report of such a complication following this procedure, which is generally without infective complications.
Insights
A rare Salmonella typhimurium infection caused chronic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis after laser disc decompression. Prompt antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin led to successful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Laser decompression is a minimally invasive procedure for symptomatic disc protrusion.
- Infective complications following laser disc decompression are rare.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old Asian man developed chronic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis.
- The condition arose after laser decompression of the L4/5 disc.
Findings:
- Salmonella typhimurium was identified as the causative pathogen.
- The patient was successfully treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and oral ciprofloxacin.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, infectious complication of laser disc decompression.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing post-procedural spinal infections.