A Case of Spondylodiscitis Fistulating Into the Vagina 15 Years after Promontofixation

Abstract

Promontofixations can be a rare cause of spondylodiscitis due to the material used getting infected. We present here a case of a 75-year-old woman who underwent a subtotal hysterectomy, followed by a trachelectomy, and presented 15 years later with lumbago and fever. After thorough examination, haemocultures and imaging were performed. This led to the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis of L5-S1, likely due to S. constellatus, with a fistula into the vagina. The patient received surgical treatment. This case is unusual due to the time lapse between the hysterectomy and the infection as well as the probable pathogen. Teaching Point: Promontofixation material can remain despite hysterectomy and can be a source of infection many years after the operation has taken place.

Keywords

• promontofixation
• infection
• hysterectomy
• spondylodiscitis
• s. constellatus