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Spinal abscess

Authoring team

Spinal abscesses are less frequent than their intracranial counterparts, but may be similarly acute or chronic in nature.

They have a frequency of one per million population every year in the UK. The incidence of SEA is approximately 2 to 8 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions (2)

The presentation is one of severe pain in the back localised to the level of the lesion, restricted spinal movements, and vague systemic illness.

Reference:

  1. Arko L, Quach E, Nguyen V, Chang D, Sukul V, Kim BS. Medical and surgical management of spinal epidural abscess: a systematic review. Neurosurg Focus. 2014 Aug;37(2):E4.
  2. Sharfman ZT et al. Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Review of Presentation, Management, and Medicolegal Implications. Asian Spine J. 2020 Oct;14(5):742-759

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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