Delayed Paraplegia Associated to Pyogenic Spondylitis A Case Report.

This paper reports a case of delayed paraplegia associated to pyogenic spondylitis. 14 months ago, a 72-year-old man was diagnosed as pyogenic spondylitis and was given antibiotics. After 3 months, his erythrocyte sedimentation rate became normal. The pyogenic spondylitis was considered healed, and he was discharged. He had no fever since then. 8 months later, he presented with lumbago, hypesthesia and muscle weakness in the lower extremities with no history of any cause. Plain roentgenogram showed vertebral collapse of the L1 body. CT scan showed the L1 posteriorly displaced fragments occluding the spinal canal. Myelogram showed incomplate block at the level of L1. He underwent anterior decompression and spinal fusion 2 months from onset of symptoms. Anterior instrumentation was used and there was no persistent infectious signs. The result of the operation was satisfactory.