Risk factors for a poor outcome:
(1) paralysis (clinical Stage 4), especially if lasting more than 24-36 hours
(2) delay in diagnosis
(3) delayed surgery (or drainage if surgery contraindicated)
(4) delay in starting antibiotics and/or selecting the wrong antibiotics
(5) inadequate rehabilitation
(6) severe comorbid conditions
Complications may include:
(1) sepsis
(2) decubital ulcer
(3) urinary tract infection
(4) deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus
(5) pneumonia (with cervical abscess and paralysis)
Evaluation of neurologic outcome should be done at 1 year to take into account delayed neurologic recovery and rehabilitation.
