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  • Title: Multilevel vertebral osteomyelitis and facet joint infection following epidural catheterisation.
    Author: Arun R, Al-Nammari SS, Mehdian SM.
    Journal: Acta Orthop Belg; 2007 Oct; 73(5):665-9. PubMed ID: 18019927.
    Abstract:
    We report a case of multilevel vertebral osteomyelitis with facet joint infection after epidural catheterisation. Back pain relating to regional anaesthetic techniques is common and usually self-limiting. However, it is essential to consider infection in any differential diagnosis. Prolonged use of these regional anaesthetics post-operatively makes the possibility of infection more likely. The microbiology of spine infection resulting from direct spread is not well documented but the few cases reported suggest a wide range of causative organisms. For this reason in cases of spinal infection resulting from epidural catheterisation every effort should be made to obtain a direct tissue sample for pathogen identification and one should not simply rely on blood cultures or nonspecific empirical antimicrobials. Delays in commencing appropriate antimicrobials may result in considerable morbidity.
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