An Extensive Epidural Abscess of Cervicothoracic Spine Resolved by a Combined Approach - a Case Report
2012
Abstract
This case report describes a methodology for removal of epidural abscess located at the anterior side of spinal canal with tetraplegia AIS (ASIA - American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale) grade B. The abscess was first evacuated by the anterolateral Smith-Robinson approach using Caspar distractor.
No other instrumentation was used. T6-T7 laminectomy and decompression was performed two weeks later to manage residual abscess.
This improved motor strength to AIS grade D. MRI examination confirmed that the abscess was completely healed without postlaminectomic kyphosis.
The anterior approach eliminated a risk of cervical spine kyphosis.