External fixation in patients with panvertebral osteomyelitis and paraplegia.
Vertebral osteomyelitis is a difficult problem in the spinal cord injured patient. We present three such cases treated with extensive debridement followed by grafting and stabilization with external fixation. In all three patients the infection resolved. We feel this is a viable option for treating this condition.
Hurley
M E
ME
University of California, San Diego 92103, USA.
Vaccaro
A R
AR
Scuderi
G J
GJ
Garfin
S R
SR
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D003646:Debridement; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications*; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*