Nontuberculous Spinal Epidural Infections

Abstract

NONTUBERCULOUS spinal epidural infections are infrequent disorders that merit periodic reconsideration by the profession at large because of the heavy responsibility accruing to the practitioner who first visits a patient thus afflicted. Final diagnosis and definitive treatment of these infections are now regarded as functions of specialists, but the decisive factor in the outcome of most cases is the celerity with which the first attending physician suspects the probable nature of the ailment and summons expert aid. Thus, early diagnosis leading to prompt surgical intervention is regularly rewarded by total recovery. On the other hand, even brief delay of operation . . .