Surgical management of an unusual osteomyelitis involving posterior elements in lumbar spine. A case report.
Improper and invasive management of low back pain may lead to an unexpected tragedy, vertebral osteomyelitis. A 30-year-old female patient suffering from low back pain after a lumbar strain called on a herbal therapist and was given a herb massage with some unknown medication. Unfortunately, a persistent painful ulcer with discharge developed over her back. She was referred to our clinic shortly after where x-ray showed bony destruction over the spinous process, facet, and lamina of L4. Fistulectomy, debridement and spinal fusion were performed. A satisfactory outcome was finally achieved.
Chang
C K
CK
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hsin Chu 813 Hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tsai
W S
WS
Liu
H J
HJ
Pan
W C
WC
D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008405:Massage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal