Lumbar osteomyelitis and epidural abscess complicating recurrent pilonidal cyst: report of a case.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to report the rare presentation of lumbar osteomyelitis and epidural abscess as a complication of a pilonidal cyst. METHODS: A case report is presented. RESULTS: We describe the rare case of a male patient with diabetes with a recurring pilonidal cyst who developed a lumbar osteomyelitis and epidural abscess three weeks after pilonidal cyst excision with epidural anesthesia, with a fatal outcome despite emergency treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Life-threatening complications should be kept in mind in high-risk patients with repetitive surgery and neurologic involvement.