On the Horizon for Spine Infections in Children

Spinal Epidural Abscesses in Children

• Avoidance of laminectomies: An attempt should be made to remove as much infected material as possible, including fluid collections, phlegmon, osteomyelitic bone, and abnormal ligament. A small rubber catheter can sometimes be inserted into the posterior epidural space to irrigate out frank liquid pus (4) with saline or saline-antibiotic irrigation.
• Avoidance of spinal deformity with more aggressive use of instrumentation: Currently, acute instrumentation and bone grafting for immediate stabilization at the initial procedure are recommended despite the presence of infection in these patients (59).