The Korean Journal of Pain  2007;20(2):219-223

doi:10.3344/kjp.2007.20.2.219

Infectious Spondylitis following Kyphoplasty: A case report.

Dae Hyun JO 1 ; Sa Hyun PARK ; Myoung Hee KIM ; Jung Ho SEOL

Affiliations

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Keywords

antibiotic prophylaxis; infectious spondylitis; kyphoplasty

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are well-known, useful techniques for the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures. Although the risk associated with these procedures is low, serious complications can occur. Of these complications, infection is even rarer, however, when it does occur, it is difficult to manage and can become life-threatening. We describe here a case of infectious spondylitis with epidural inflammation that occurred after performing kyphoplasty in a patient who had a thoracic vertebra compression fracture. We reviewed other case and literatures. Extreme asepsis of the operating theater, screening and treatment for systemic infection prior to the procedure, as well as the use of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis are strongly recommended when conducting kyphoplasty to prevent infection.