Spinal extradural abscess

ABSTRACT

Twenty-one patients of extradural abcess have been studied. All cases are males and their ages ranged from 16 to 50 years. The clinical presentations, eatiological factors, surgical treatment and prognosis are analysed. Blood borne infection occurred in 13 patients, postlumbar puncture infection occurred in 6 patients, direct innocculation of infection after laminectomy occurred in 1 and the last case was due to direct extension from disc space infection. Dorsal region is the site of predilection for blood borne infection. Back pain is constant complaint in every case which is followed by paraplegia in 15 patients, paraparesis in 3 patients and sphencteric disturbance in one patient. Myelographic block is an essential finding to confirm the diagnosis. Proper and prompt diagnosis and treatment by laminectomy and drainage under cover of strong antibiotic are the best line of treatment, which may lead to good prognosis. Emphasis on rapid surgery before occurrance of major neurological deficits was found as determinate factor in the prognosis