Emergency surgery for a patient with a thoracic spinal epidural abscess: a case report and literature review

A man in his early 40s experienced sudden lower limb weakness and was diagnosed with a thoracic spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. Post-surgery, the patient received antibiotics and rehabilitation. Within four weeks, he regained full strength in his legs. The case highlights the importance of quick diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation for successful recovery from thoracic SEA.

• 1
  Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention within 24 hours of paralysis are crucial for recovering lower limb muscle strength in thoracic SEA cases.
• 2
  Postoperative anti-infection management with appropriate antibiotics, guided by bacterial culture results, is essential for successful treatment.
• 3
  Rehabilitation exercises play a significant role in the full recovery of lower limb muscle strength after surgical decompression.