PMC7476689_01
Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging showing L5-S1 spondylolisthesis.
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F1
A 35-year-oldpreviously fit male patient underwent uncomplicated lumbar interbody fusion for leg and back pain secondary to a spondylolisthesis (Fig. 1).
Post-operative computed tomography showing resorption of L5 inferior end plate.
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F2
Repeat CT (Fig. 2) demonstrated bone resorption around one of the interbody cages.
Post-operative magnetic resonance imaging showing non-specific marrow edema and absence of fluid for targeted computed tomography-guided biopsy.
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F3
As there was no clear target for biopsy (Fig. 3), a plan was made for empiric intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks.
Progression of bony resorption around the cage.
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F4
Repeat CT scan demonstrated the progression of the previous appearances (Fig. 4).
Timeline of C-reactive protein values of the patient.
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F5
Rifampicin and teicoplanin were stopped and after a further 48 h temperatures and CRP normalized. (Fig. 5) depicts the timeline of CRP values of the patient.