title: Pyogenic lumbar facet joint arthritis with intradural extension: a case report.
abstract: There have been 40 previously reported cases of lumbar facet joint pyogenic infection. These have been well characterized earlier. Intradural pyogenic extension has never been reported from a facet joint origin. This case demonstrates an elderly diabetic man with acute onset of nontraumatic back pain with no other source of infectious pathology. Surgical exploration identified a purulent left L4-L5 facet joint with epidural and intradural extension. Minimal spinal fluid leak was present. Wound cultures were positive for Group B beta Full resolution occurred with appropriate intravenous vancomycin antibiotic therapy.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedics Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. kimfitzpatrick@orthoindy.com
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Coscia
authors.forename: Terry R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Trammell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013492:Suppuration / Q000209:etiology