The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 65, Issue 8 1041-1058, Copyright © 1983 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Retroperitoneal and retrofascial abscesses. A review
GW Simons, JR Sty and RJ Starshak
The anatomy of retrofascial and retroperitoneal abscesses is not widely
understood by orthopaedic surgeons because these abscesses are encountered
infrequently and may cause symptoms at their points of extension rather
than at their origin. Recent developments in bone-imaging and computed
tomographic scanning have made it easier to diagnose and treat these
abscesses and to identify their origins. These same diagnostic techniques
have also made it easier to distinguish retrofascial from retroperitoneal
abscesses. In this paper we define the retrofascial and retroperitoneal
spaces, enumerate the possible sources of infection and the pathways of
drainage, identify the pelvic spaces where the abscesses collect, and list
the peripheral extrapelvic areas where these abscesses cause symptoms. The
clinical signs and symptoms of retrofascial and retroperitoneal infection
differ from those of osseous infection of the pelvis and spine, the two
most common sources of retrofascial infection. The diagnostic value of the
various radiographic methods is discussed, the prognoses for various types
of abscesses are reported, and approaches to treatment are presented.
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