Male, 62 years old, with thoracic abscess status post surgical decompression and removal. Evidence of instrumented posterior fusion is again seen at T7-T12. Decompressive laminectomy also has been performed from T8 through T10.Artifact from the fixation instruments does impede the assessment of structures from T7 through T12. Visualization is, however, better than on prior examinations. Again seen is extensive endplate destruction and loss of vertebral body height centered at T9-10. Vertebral body and disc material protrudes into the anterior paraspinal space at this level, particularly on the right. Within the limitations of the artifact, it does appear that spinal canal narrowing and cord compression seen previously at T9-T10 secondary to ventral epidural encroachment has been relieved. Assessment of cord morphology and cord signal through this region is not reliable.Above and below the operative field, no significant vertebral body or spinal canal abnormalities are detected, and the spinal cord is within normal limits. Incidental note is made of numerous renal cystic lesions.
Postoperative findings are seen compatible with instrumented posterior fusion from T7 through T12 as well as decompressive surgery from T8 through T10.Extensive disc space and vertebral body destruction is again seen centered at T9-10 compatible with the history osteomyelitis discitis. Disc and osseous material continues to protrude into the anterior paraspinal space at this level. Within the limitations of artifact, it does appear that the ventral epidural encroachment at T9-10 which previously caused a significant canal stenosis and cord compression has been relieved.