Spinal Pseudomonas Chondro-Osteomyelitis in Heroin Users

Abstract

INFECTIONS with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the spinal column have usually been associated with instrumentation or operation on the genitourinary tract or the spine.^{1 2 3 4 5 6} Heroin addicts are subject to hematogenous pseudomonas osteomyelitis, generally involving the sternoclavicular joint.^{7 8 9} A case of mixed staphylococcal and pseudomonas infection of the lumbar spine⁹ has recently been reported.We have seen five cases of chondro-osteomyelitis due to Ps. aeruginosa in one year, all occurring in the lower lumbar spine. The patients were occasional users of heroin and admitted intravenous self-administration in the week before admission. On admission their temperatures ranged from normal to 38.9°C, and white-cell . . .