Presentation
Back pain centered on L2.
Patient Data
Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Spondylodiscitis
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The lumbar spine film shows
- loss of height of L1/L2 joint space
- endplate sclerosis
- indistinct endplates
These early changes may progress to destruction and fusion.
Case Discussion
This patient had a history of IV drug use. IV drug users are a classical group for discitis as blood-borne bacteria enter the vertebra and cross via small vessels into the disc.
Credit: Dr Ian Bickle.