Spinal cord disorder due to spinal epidural abscess secondary to thoracic facet joint septic arthritis—a rare case with a surprising evolution

Septic arthritis of a facet joint is a rare condition, especially in the thoracic spine. This can lead to a spinal epidural abscess, compressing the spinal cord. A 53-year-old woman experienced acute back pain, fever, loss of bowel and bladder control, and paraparesis. Imaging revealed a thoracic epidural abscess and septic arthritis of the T5-T6 facet joint. After surgery and rehabilitation, the patient showed unexpected neurological and functional improvement, transitioning from complete to incomplete paraplegia and regaining functional independence.

• 1
  Early diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis of the facet joint and spinal epidural abscess are crucial to prevent severe neurological consequences.
• 2
  Patients with spinal cord injury due to these conditions can benefit significantly from an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program to improve their neuromotor and functional status.
• 3
  This case highlights the possibility of significant functional recovery even after severe initial neurological deficits from a spinal epidural abscess secondary to septic arthritis of the facet joint.