Epidural abscess following a lumbar epidural catheter for mobilization of the knee

We report on a case of a lumbar epidural abscess with staphylococcus aureus following a catheter epidural anaesthesia in a previously healthy and not immunosuppressed 34-year-old female. The indication for the epi dural anaes thesia was mobilization of the right knee following arthrotomy due to chron ic synovitis. On postoperative day 7 the patient experienced lumbar pain, h eadache and meningism. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural absc ess at the height of the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. A rightsided intrala minar fenestration with debridement and drainage of the abscess was carried out immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis. The patient was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 21 without an y neurological sequelae. This is another addition to the published cases of epidural abscess following a epidural technique. It underlines the need fo r a pro per aseptic technique, to abandon frequent changes of bacterial fil ters, daily examination of the entry site of the catheter and strategies fo r close and continuous monitoring of patients following epidural anaesthesi a.