Delayed diagnosis and treatment of a psoas abscess as a link between spondylodiscitis and septic necrosis of the femoral head: a case report

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of a psoas abscess as a link between spondylodiscitis and septic necrosis of the femoral head: a case report

Authors

  • Marco Scaglia
  • Giovanni Lugani Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University of Verona (Italy)
  • Marco Cassini Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, AULSS 9 Scaligera, “Mater Salutis” Hospital, Legnago VR (Italy)
  • Carlo Ambrosini Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University of Verona (Italy)
  • Bruno Magnan Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University of Verona (Italy)

Keywords:

Spine, Hip, Infection, Spondylodiscitis, Psoas abscess, Femoral head necrosis

Abstract

Background: Infections of the spine and hip joint are not common and, as described in literature,
they are occasionally linked by a psoas abscess. In patients suffering back pain with history of spondylodiscitis,
the spine as primary source of infection for a secondary psoas abscess should always be included in differential
diagnosis. A delay in diagnosis of the psoas abscess could lead to septic femoral head necrosis. Case report: A
case of a 65-year-old woman affected by septic femoral head necrosis due to spondylodiscitis and secondary
psoas abscess is reported; the patient needed a specific antibiotic therapy then undergoing a total hip arthroplasty(THA). Discussion and conclusion: Diagnoses of lumbar spine infection and psoas abscess are difficultand often delayed. Since the symptoms of both are non-specific, high degree of suspicious is necessary. In psoas abscess, an early diagnosis is important, because a delayed treatment could result in septic femoral head necrosis requiring both a prolonged antibiotic therapy and a THA.

References

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Published

30-05-2020

How to Cite

1.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment of a psoas abscess as a link between spondylodiscitis and septic necrosis of the femoral head: a case report. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2020 May 30 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];91(4-S):241-7. Available from: https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/9627