Sacral epidural abscess complicating closed sacral fracture: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical course of the development of an epidural abscess with a rare localization.


BACKGROUND
Epidural abscess usually presents with severe back pain and neurologic deterioration. Spinal fracture may lead to the development of epidural abscess. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of epidural abscess following sacral fracture.


METHODS
The patient was observed closely in the hospital after a sacral fracture with bilateral S2, S3 dermotome numbness. Fever, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection developed. Fever responded partially with antibiotics.


RESULTS
Sacral laminectomy for decompression was performed. Unexpectedly, sacral epidural abscess was found during the operation. Sacral roots were decompressed. Epidural abscess was drained.


CONCLUSIONS
A rare case of sacral epidural abscess following sacral fracture was reported.
Chiu
S Y
SY
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. c3sy_chiu@yahoo.com
Ko
P S
PS
Mak
Y K
YK
Kou
S K
SK
Lam
J J
JJ
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000382:microbiology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed