Acute low back pain revealed as pyogenic spondylitis: A report of 2 cases

ABSTRACT

Many people suffer from low back pain and that has caused much socioeconomic cost. As a non specific cause of low back pain, an increase in the incidence of pyogenic spondylitis has been noticed. Early radiological diagnosis is of great importance for prompt treatment and prevention of clinically significant consequences which include neurological deficit and secondary spine deformity. We describe two cases of pyogenic spondylitis with epidural abscess. The former case, we could not make an early diagnosis and proper management was delayed. Fortunately, no neurologic deficits were remained. On contrast, the latter was promptly diagnosed as a pyogenic spondylitis and proper treatment was established. Most of all, careful preliminary evaluation, especially laboratory data and analysis of radiologic findings are important prognostic factor in treatment patient for pyogenic spondylitis.