Epidural spinal abscesses.

Fifteen cases of peridural empyemas are reported. 12 patients reported with motor dysfunction of the lower extremities and pain radiating from the spine. In one case, localized pain of the spine was discovered and in two cases there were no signs of spinal or radiating pain. Treatment in all cases was laminectomy and systemic antibiotic administration. Microbiological analysis showed staphylococcus aureus in 11 cases. 9 patients recovered with no neurological defects, two had major improvement of the paresis, and one died. Three patients with paraplegia recovered from the primary infection.