Author: Phaedra Rampersad / Editor: Jessie Lynch / Codes: / Published: 30/07/2025
A 65-year-old woman with a background of type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease presents with gradual onset lower back pain. At baseline, she is ambulant without any assistance and gardens regularly. She denies any falls or trauma.
She was recently admitted and appropriately treated for pyelonephritis. Her only surgical history is a previous caesarean section.
On examination, she appears unwell and in moderate pain.
Her vitals are as follows:
- Blood pressure 130/75 mmHg
- Heart rate 95 beats per minute
- Temperature 37.8 degrees Celsius
She is tender to the lower lumbar spine on gentle palpation. Her neurological examination reveals no motor or sensory deficits.
