Use of epidural steroids after discectomy may predispose to infection

• Published in: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Vol. 25; no. 4; p. 516
• Main Authors: Lowell, T D, Errico, T J, Eskenazi, M S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15.02.2000
• Subjects: Adult; Bacterial Infections - etiology; Humans; Injections, Epidural; Intervertebral Disc - pathology; Intervertebral Disc - surgery; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - pathology; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - surgery; Lumbar Vertebrae - surgery; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Steroids - administration & dosage; Steroids - adverse effects

This is a report of three cases of epidural abscess occurring after use of intraoperative epidural methylprednisolone in 31 patients who had undergone lumbar microdiscectomy. The possible role of epidural steroids in the cause of these abscesses is discussed, and a review the literature concerning i...