title: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus epidural abscess after transforaminal epidural steroid injection.
abstract: Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are provided frequently for patients with lumbar radiculopathy, having demonstrated efficacy and safety. We present a patient who developed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus epidural abscess 11 days after a transforaminal epidural steroid injection. The abscess required surgical intervention and intravenous vancomycin. Fortunately, the patient made a full recovery, and continues to do well one year later. The incidence, etiology and treatment of epidural injection-related infections are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Veterans Administration, Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. draikabbara@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Abdallah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kabbara
authors.forename: Samuel K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Untal