LUMBAR FACET JOINT INFECTION ASSOCIATED WITH EPIDURAL AND PARASPINAL ABSCESS

A case of lumbar facet joint infection associated with abscesses of th e paraspinal muscles and the epidural space is presented, The infectio n did not respond to intravenous antibiotic therapy and resolved only after incision and drainage of the epidural space, involved facet join t, and paraspinal musculature, Magnetic resonance imaging, which showe d a widened facet joint, epidural abscess, and paraspinal involvement, aided in diagnosis and preoperative planning, This condition is rare, and this report outlines some clinical characteristics of the infecti on and the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in visualizing the extent of the infection.