Subcutaneous Abscess in a Patient Referred to Physical Therapy Following Spinal Epidural Injection for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Todd E. Davenport, Michael R. Terk

DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2008.0405

The patient was a 44-year-old male with a 5-month history of lumbar radiculopathy following a golf injury. Following magnetic resonance imaging, he received a spinal epidural injection consisting of corticosteriods from his spine surgeon 2 weeks prior to physical therapy evaluation. Five weeks postinjection, the patient noted a progressive and significant worsening of his local lumbar and radicular symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lumbar subcutaneous abscess, for which the patient underwent open debridement and intravenous antibiotic therapy for methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus. He subsequently returned to physical therapy for successful management of his residual disablement.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther., 2008;38(5):287. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0405

KEY WORDS: infection, magnetic resonance imaging, staphylococcus aureus

Infection following spinal epidural injection is an infrequent but potentially serious complication. Expeditious recognition of changes in the patients' clinical status may indicate the need for imaging to facilitate accurate diagnosis.

View Full Article