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PubMed1988

Degenerative adult onset scoliosis.

There are people who have no history of scoliosis who develop spinal deformity of a progressive nature as adults, associated with severe degenerative disc disease. The clinical syndrome associated with this deformity is not well documented. In an attempt to describe this clinical syndrome more precisely, 21 patients with the diagnosis of degenerative scoliosis were identified and reviewed. Review included history with pain drawings when available, physical examination, bone densities, and standing spinal roentgenograms. Patients with spinal compression fractures, spondylolyses, prior history of scoliosis or radiographic findings consistent with an idiopathic scoliosis were excluded. Our review shows that these patients can develop, along with progressive scoliosis, loss of lumbar lordosis with a resulting flat back deformity. These patients commonly present in the sixth decade with a predominantly stenotic symptom complex, but often lack the classic feature of relief in a sitting posture. The number of male and female patients was approximately equal. Roentgenogram findings show a high angle deformity over a short number of spinal segments and an absence of bony features associated with idiopathic scoliosis such as lateral vertebral wedging and alterations of the lamina. The incidence of this condition remains to be established.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Does discography injure normal discs? An analysis of repeat discograms.

This study was done to look for evidence of damage to a healthy disc resulting from diagnostic discography. Thirty-four patients had undergone a second discogram at 80 lumbar levels. There were 22 men and 12 women. The mean interval between discograms was 16.7 months (range, 3-38). Of 42 levels that were reported to be radiologically normal on the first discogram, ten were reported to be abnormal on the second discogram (24%). On review of these films, the abnormality was in fact present on the first discogram at two levels, and the second discogram was normal at two levels (radiologist error). Fusions had been done in three patients at adjacent levels between discograms. A compression fracture was present in adjacent vertebrae at two levels. Only one level was found to be truly abnormal on the second discogram for no obvious reason. The authors found no evidence that diagnostic discography damaged a normal disc.

Diatrizoate Meglumine↗

PubMed1996

Percutaneous transpedicular biopsy of vertebral body lesions.

STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study evaluates the use of transpedicular biopsy in obtaining diagnostic tissue from vertebral body lesions. OBJECTIVE: To report the authors' experience of all (N = 32) percutaneous transpedicular biopsies performed between 1990-1994. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous articles have discussed the value of open biopsy of the vertebral body using a Craig needle. A large series of closed percutaneous transpedicular biopsies have not been reported. METHODS: The authors evaluated 32 patients (26 outpatients, six inpatients) who underwent transpedicular biopsy for T1-L4 lesions of the vertebral bodies. None of the tumors had an extraosseous component. Biopsy specimens were obtained from 25 lesions using C-arm fluoroscopy; seven were guided by computed tomography. All biopsies were performed with a 14- to 17-gauge bone biopsy needle. RESULTS: The needle passed through the pedicle into the site of disease in all patients, as confirmed by C-arm fluoroscopy or computed tomography. There were 22 malignancies; four isolated compression fractures, two at T6, one at T7, one at T8; four cases of infection or inflammation; and one case each of Paget's disease and myelofibrosis. Two patients required a second biopsy because the tissue sample was suspicious for lymphoma but not diagnostic. All 26 outpatients were discharged after a 2-hour observation period. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Transpedicular biopsy of deep vertebral body lesions using a bone biopsy needle under computed tomography or fluoroscopy guidance can be performed safely and efficaciously as an outpatient procedure.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Effects of gender and age differences on the distribution of bone content in the third lumbar vertebra.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study on the distribution of bone mineral content in the third lumbar vertebrae. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of age and gender on the distribution of bone mineral content in the third lumbar vertebrae. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Compression fractures occur mainly at the vertebral body. Variations in the distribution of bone mass in a vertebra, if undefined, may bias the ability of the acquired bone mineral density values, which was usually measured posteroanteriorly, to predict the risk of fractures. METHODS: The bone mineral content of the whole L3, including the L3 vertebral body and the posterior segment, was measured using a lateral approach with a dual energy radiograph absorptiometer on 177 healthy Taiwanese adults including 65 men and 55 premenopausal and 57 postmenopausal women. RESULTS: The proportion of bone mineral content in the vertebral body was significantly lower in premenopausal women than in age-matched men (39.1 +/- 0.9% vs. 50.0 +/- 1.7%, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, whereas postmenopausal women showed a decreased proportion of bone mineral content in the vertebral body with increased age (about -0.0022 per year, P = 0.0001), premenopausal women and men showed a sustained proportion. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of bone mineral content distributed in the body of L3 vertebrae was lower in women than in men. The discrepancy of this parameter between the genders was even larger with increased ages.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2002

Fat embolism and acute hypotension during vertebroplasty: an experimental study in sheep.

STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study of cardiovascular complications that arise during vertebroplasty was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sequential occurrence of fat embolism and hypotension during vertebroplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Vertebroplasty, the augmentation of vertebrae with polymethylmethacrylate, is a technique for treating osteoporotic compression fractures and achieving prophylactic stabilization of osteoporotic vertebral bodies at risk of fracture. However, there is concern that fat embolism and acute hypotension could occur as in a variety of other orthopedic procedures. METHODS: In six sheep, 6 mL of polymethylmethacrylate was injected unilaterally into L1. Transesophageal echocardiography monitored the pulmonary artery for echodense particles. Heart rate, arterial and venous pressures, and blood gas values were recorded before and for 25 minutes after injection. The lungs were subjected to postmortem histologic evaluation and compared with lung specimens from two sheep that had not undergone vertebroplasty. RESULTS: Injection of cement elicited a very rapid decrease in heart rate (within 2 +/- 1 seconds) and a rapid increase in venous pressure (within 3 +/- 1 seconds), which was followed by a fall in arterial pressure (within 5 +/- 2 seconds) (phase 1). Thereafter, showers of echogenic material appeared (within 6 +/- 1 seconds) and lasted for 138 +/- 36 seconds. A second more severe fall in arterial pressure was observed beginning at 18 +/- 2 seconds (phase 2). The injection resulted in an increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide and a decrease in pH. The histology showed intravascular fat globules and bone marrow cells in lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that immediately after cement injection, there was a reflex fall in heart rate and arterial pressure. The second fall in arterial pressure was a consequence of fat emboli passing through the heart and getting trapped in the lungs.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Serious pyogenic spondylitis following vertebroplasty--a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: The aim of this case report is to examine the problem of serious pyogenic spondylitis that may follow vertebroplasty. OBJECTIVES: To report 1 case of serious pyogenic spondylitis caused by percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethyl methacrylate. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Serious pyogenic spondylitis caused by percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethyl methacrylate is a rare complication. We herein report a case of pyogenic spondylitis that occurred after the patient had undergone vertebroplasty. METHODS: A 78-year-old woman with a T12 osteoporotic compression fracture, and without a magnetic resonance imaging sign of infection, underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty using polymethyl methacrylate without complication. RESULTS.: About 1 month after the operation, the patient was readmitted because of severe backache, and the diagnosis of pyogenic spondylitis was made using radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging. Anterior inter-body fusion with a strut bone graft after debridement and posterior instrumentation were then performed. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebroplasty should proceed under sterile conditions. Excluding the possibility of spinal infection before surgery and a detailed evaluation assuring that the patient is without systemic infectious disease before the vertebroplasty procedure is crucial.

Abscess↗

PubMed2002

Vertebral compression and eosinophilia in a child with acute lymphatic leukemia.

A 10-year-old girl, presenting with fever, eosinophilia, and back pain, was diagnosed with pre-B CD10-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Eosinophilia resolved rapidly during remission induction treatment, but diffuse spinal osteopenia with multiple compression fractures became manifest after 4 weeks. During subsequent treatment the spine remineralized slowly, and after 26 months vertebral bone regeneration was apparent. Eosinophilia and osteopenia are separately known as early manifestations of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but their simultaneous occurrence is particularly interesting. A late bone marrow relapse was not accompanied by bone changes or eosinophilia.

Back Pain↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of malignant spine disease.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive, radiologically-guided interventional procedure originally developed in France for the treatment of painful vertebral hemangiomas. The technique consists of the percutaneous puncture of the affected vertebral body, followed by injection of an acrylic polymer to provide bone augmentation and prevent further collapse. The internal "casting" of the trabecular microfractures results in pain relief and vertebral consolidation. Vertebroplasty was quickly adopted for use in metastatic vertebral lesions and hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma. The major experience with malignant disease has remained primarily in the European realm; in the United States vertebroplasty is used mainly for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures. The reasons underlying this divergence in practice experiences remains unclear, although the explosion of vertebroplasty in the U.S. appears to be driven by an assertive, motivated and well-informed elderly population. In addition, malignant lesions are often challenging and practitioners may shy away from these clinically and technically more difficult patients. The purpose of this article is to introduce the principles of percutaneous vertebroplasty to the North American oncologic community with the hope that it mayfind a greater role in the treatmentof malignant disease affecting the spine.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Fungal infections of the spine.

UNLABELLED: Fungal infections of the spine are relatively uncommon. Fungi such as Coccidioides immitis and Blastomyces dermatitidis are limited to specific geographical areas whereas cryptococcus, candida, and aspergillus are found worldwide. Candida and aspergillus are normal commensals of the body and produce disease in susceptible organisms when they gain access to the vascular system through intravenous lines, during implantation of prosthetic devices, or during surgery. For the other fungi, spinal involvement usually is the result of hematogenous or direct spread of organisms from an initial pulmonary source of infection. Involvement of the vertebral bodies can lead to vertebral compression fractures and gross deformity of the spine. Spread of infection along the anterior longitudinal ligament can lead to psoas or paravertebral abscesses. Early recognition of the disease requires a high index of suspicion, proper travel history, and a detailed physical examination. Treatment relies on the prompt institution of appropriate pharmacotherapy and constant monitoring of clinical progress. Resistance to medical therapy, spinal instability, and neurologic deficits are indications for débridement and stabilization with spinal fusion. Prognosis depends on the premorbid state of the patient, the type of fungal organism, and the timing of treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V (expert opinion). Please see the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Antifungal Agents↗

PubMed2003

Successful management of a large pulmonary cement embolus after percutaneous vertebroplasty: a case report.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is increasingly used for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Local leakage of polymethylmethacrylate cement into the perivertebral space is a common complication, but important systemic effects have rarely been reported. The authors describe the case of a 52-year-old patient with central pulmonary embolism after percutaneous vertebroplasty of the eleventh thoracic vertebral body. The large cement embolus was removed from the right pulmonary artery with a hybrid technique combining an interventional catheter procedure with an open heart operation. The patient made an uneventful recovery. The authors review how appropriate arthroplasty techniques might minimize the risk of this dreadful complication.

Acenocoumarol↗

PubMed2003

Polymethylmethacrylate cement dislodgment following percutaneous vertebroplasty: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report is presented. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare complication of delayed cement displacement following percutaneous vertebroplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although percutaneous vertebroplasty is considered a minimally invasive procedure, it may result in several complications. To our knowledge, this is the first report of delayed cement displacement after percutaneous vertebroplasty. METHODS: A 69-year-old man with T12 osteoporotic compression fracture received percutaneous vertebroplasty. One month after surgery, the patient complained of progressive severe back pain, and roentgenographic image revealed a breakdown of the anterior cortex of the T12 vertebral body with anterior displacement of the bone cement. RESULTS: The complication was solved by one stage anterior and posterior operation: thoracoabdominal approach with removal of the displaced cement and posterior instrumentation from T11 to L1. The severe back pain with associated weakness improved after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This complication is rare and likely to occur in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture with avascular necrosis and anterior cortical defect.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with pulmonary cement embolism following percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate.

STUDY DESIGN: A case of acute respiratory distress syndrome following percutaneous vertebroplasty is described. OBJECTIVE: To alert clinicians to the potential occurrence of acute respiratory distress syndrome following use of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema has not been reported following intravertebral injection of polymethylmethacrylate. METHODS: A 68-year-old woman underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for a painful L5 compression fracture under local anesthesia. A contralateral transpedicular approach was made to inject polymethylmethacrylate. RESULTS: On the third postoperative day, she developed arthralgia, myalgia, fever, and frequent coughing. Chest radiography revealed bilateral, multifocal, patchy consolidations, suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and a 5-cm-long tubular radiopacity in the right pulmonary artery. She died 20 days after the vertebroplasty. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that clinicians must be aware of the potential occurrence of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients who received percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Histopathologic findings of retrieved specimens of vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate cement: case control study.

STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histopathologic findings of 2 retrieved specimens from failed vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Vertebroplasty using PMMA cement has been commonly used to treat debilitating back pain from compression fracture, angiomas, and metastatic cancer. However, there was concern about the unpredictable future results with PMMA cement. The histopathologic changes were rarely reported. METHODS: There were 2 PMMA augmented and 3 nonaugmented fractured vertebral bodies retrieved for histopathologic study. Between the 2 groups, we compared the findings of bone necrosis, foreign body reaction, fibrotic wall formation, and neovascularization. RESULTS: Bone necrosis was noted in the periphery of PMMA cement, which was surrounded by fibrotic tissues. In contrast, no fibrotic wall formation could be found in the nonaugmented control group. Foreign body reaction was only noted in PMMA augmented cases, and neovascularization was only noted in the control cases. CONCLUSION: PMMA cement might not be as bioinert as we considered. Therefore, the long-term safety of vertebroplasty should be further evaluated.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Posterior vertebral column resection in fixed lumbosacral deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To report the results and the technique of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in fixed lumbosacral deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Fixed lumbosacral deformity has gross imbalance as well as progressive compensatory thoracolumbar deformity because of the absence of a mobile spine caudally. There is no consensus of the surgical treatment of fixed lumbosacral deformity. Fixed lumbosacral deformity can be managed by PVCR, which not only corrects the deformity but also restores the trunk balance by translation of spinal column. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive fixed lumbosacral deformity patients subjected to PVCR were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The apical vertebra and the ultimately resected vertebra were below L4 in most cases. Etiologic diagnoses were congenital scoliosis in 6, congenital kyphoscoliosis in 3, post-traumatic kyphosis in 2, and postinfectious kyphosis in 14. The average age at the operation was 38 years (range, 2.5-61 years) with a male:female ratio of 7:18. The indication for PVCR was fixed lumbosacral deformities that could not be brought to a reasonable balance on traction or forced side bending. Before surgery, 12 patients (48%) presented with neurologic compromise and 20 patients (80%) presented with intractable back pain. The surgical technique consisted of segmental pedicle screw fixation, decompression of neural structures, and resection of the vertebral column at the apex of the deformity via the posterior route, followed by deformity correction and global fusion. During the resection, all the nerve roots were preserved. RESULTS: Two and one tenth (2.1) vertebrae removed on average (range, 1-5 vertebrae), and 52 in all. The average fusion extent was 4.5 vertebrae (range, 2-8 vertebrae). The anterior column reconstruction was carried out with autogenous bone graft in all patients and additional insertion of titanium mesh in 12. The distal anchor went down to L5 in 4 patients, S1 in 12, and S2 in 9. Preoperative scoliosis of 38 degrees +/- 12 degrees was corrected to 15 degrees +/- 8 degrees (60% correction) at most recent follow-up, and preoperative kyphosis of 35 degrees +/- 25 degrees was corrected to -5 degrees +/- 11 degrees (40 degrees correction). The compensatory coronal curve of 26 degrees was spontaneously corrected to 12 degrees at most recent follow-up. The preoperative thoracic lordosis of -16 degrees was corrected to 4 degrees at most recent follow-up, and the preoperative lumbar kyphosis of 20 degrees was corrected to -17 degrees . Preoperative coronal imbalance of 2.0 cm was improved to 0.9 cm at most recent follow-up, and preoperative sagittal imbalance of 9.3 cm was improved to 4.6 cm. Mean operation time was 280 minutes with a blood loss of 2,810 mL. The preoperative neurologic compromise was improved in all patients, and pain was reduced to less than half of preoperative visual analog analog scale in 17 patients. The following complications were encountered in 5 patients: 2 with transient neurology that spontaneously improved without a sequel within 6 months, 2 with compression fractures at proximal adjacent vertebra, and 1 with pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: PVCR is an effective procedure for the management of fixed lumbosacral deformity. It provides satisfactory correction and improved functional outcomes. However, it is a technically demanding and exhausting procedure with possible risks for complications.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Intradural cement leakage: a devastatingly rare complication of vertebroplasty.

STUDY DESIGN: The aim of this case report is to examine the devastating complication that may follow vertebroplasty. OBJECTIVES: To report 1 case of intradural cement leakage caused by percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethyl methacrylate. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cement leakage is not a rare complication of vertebroplasty. But intradural cement leakage is rare. We herein report a rare but devastating complication of vertebroplasty. METHODS: A 90-year-old woman with a T12 and L1 osteoporotic compression fracture underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty using polymethyl methacrylate at local hospital. A literature search was performed to assess complications of vertebroplasty. RESULTS: She was transferred to our hospital due to abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed distended abdomen with local tenderness and weakness of both legs (muscle power: Grade 2). Plain radiograph of abdomen showed ileus and intradural cement leakage. Conservative treatment with nasogastric decompression was done, and her abdominal pain subsided 1 week later. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethyl methacrylate is relatively safe, but it still should be proceeded under careful safeguard. The needle tip should not cross the medial border of the pedicle on the anteroposterior view before it has crossed the posterior cortex of the vertebral body on the lateral view. Good quality of image monitoring and clear visualization of cement should be helpful to prevent complications.

Aged, 80 and over↗

PubMed2006

Two cases of pott disease associated with bilateral psoas abscesses: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Two case reports and a literature review of spinal osteomyelitis with bilateral psoas abscesses secondary to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: Describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of spinal tuberculosis (i.e., Pott disease). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pott disease is a well-known condition in unindustrialized countries causing multiple spinal deformities in children. However, its association with bilateral psoas abscesses in adults with minimal risk factors is not commonly recognized in industrialized countries. METHODS: There are 2 adult cases of Pott disease with psoas abscesses presented, and the relevant literature is reviewed. Plain spine radiographs, spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), routine bacterial and acid-fast bacilli cultures of infected material, and other diagnostic testing for M. tuberculosis were performed. RESULTS: Plain radiographs and MRI of the spine showed vertebral osteomyelitis with compression fractures, and MRI also revealed bilateral psoas abscesses. Acid-fast bacilli culture and other M. tuberculosis diagnostic testing of psoas abscess specimens confirmed the diagnosis of M. tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Although spinal osteomyelitis with psoas abscess is classically associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection, Pott disease should be considered in this clinical setting, and risk factor assessment and testing for tuberculosis should be performed.

Aged, 80 and over↗

PubMed2006

Sagittal thoracic decompensation following long adult lumbar spinal instrumentation and fusion to L5 or S1: causes, prevalence, and risk factor analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes, prevalence of, and risk factors for sagittal thoracic decompensation in adult lumbar spinal instrumentation and fusion (from distal thoracic or upper lumbar spine) to L5 or S1. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To our knowledge, no studies on sagittal thoracic decompensation following long adult lumbar spinal instrumentation and fusion (from distal thoracic or upper lumbar spine) to L5 or S1 have been published. METHODS: A clinical and radiographic assessment of 99 patients with adult lumbar spinal deformity (average age 56.7 years) who underwent long (> or = 4 vertebrae; range 4-10/average 6.7) spinal instrumentation and fusion (from lower thoracic or upper lumbar spine to L5 or S1) at a single institution between 1985 and 2003 with a minimum 2-year follow-up (average 4.5 years) was performed. We defined sagittal thoracic decompensation as a progressive kyphotic deformity of the thoracic spine without pseudarthrosis after a long lumbar fusion, which subsequently resulted in a C7 plumb relative to the posterior aspect of the L5-S1 disc > or = 8 cm. RESULTS: The prevalence of sagittal thoracic decompensation after long adult lumbar spinal instrumentation and fusion (from distal thoracic or upper lumbar spine) to L5 or S1 was 23% (23/99 cases). The etiologies were 14 acute sharp angular kyphoses and 9 long sweeping kyphoses above the instrumented fusion. Of the 14 sharp angular kyphoses, 10 occurred from severe disc degeneration and 4 were caused by compression fractures at the uppermost instrumented vertebra. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for sagittal thoracic decompensation developing were sagittal imbalance at 8 weeks postoperatively (> or = 5 cm), smaller lumbar lordosis compared with thoracic kyphosis (< 10 degrees) at 8 weeks postoperatively, preoperative sagittal imbalance (> or = 5 cm), age at surgery (older than 55 years), and associated comorbidities. Sagittal thoracic decompensation adversely affected Scoliosis Research Society 24 outcomes scores.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Infected vertebroplasty: case report and review of literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of infected vertebroplasty and to demonstrate the importance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of such infections. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Infection of the vertebroplasty site is an uncommon complication of vertebroplasty. Only 4 cases have been reported in the literature so far, and an organism could be identified in only 2 of those cases. To our knowledge, the use of PCR to diagnose infection in these cases has not been reported before. METHODS: Vertebroplasty, laminectomy, radiology, fluid aspiration, microbial culture, and 16S RNA PCR. RESULTS: A 73-year-old diabetic woman underwent vertebroplasty for L2 and L3 vertebral compression fractures followed by L4-L5 laminectomy for spinal stenosis. Three months later, she had an L1 fracture that was augmented with vertebroplasty. Six months later, she presented with incapacitating low back pain. There was a fluid-filled cavity surrounding the polymethylmethacrylate in the L1 and L2 vertebral bodies. The fluid had 95,000 white blood cells with 96% neutrophils, grew nothing on culture, but had 100% homology with Streptococcus agalactiae on 16S ribosomal nucleic acid analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of infected vertebroplasty with atypical radiologic findings of vertebral infection. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case where an organism could be isolated for these infections and the first time PCR has been used to diagnose such an infection.

Aged↗