M Keil1, M Akbar, R Abel. 1. Abt. Orthopädie II, Stiftung Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg. info@ok.uni-heidelberg.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Paraplegia of non-traumatic origin has an increasing incidence. Infection of the spine is a major contributor to the number of these cases. Besides adequate management of spinal cord injury, the treatment of these patients requires specific therapeutic techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with acute pyogenic infection of the spine and spinal cord injury were admitted to our facility in the years 1997-2000. All except two patients were treated by surgical debridement and internal stabilisation. RESULTS: The infections healed after surgical treatment in all cases. Neurological function improved and no patient showed neurological deterioration. Both patients who were not fit for surgery died during treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgical instrumentation and replacement of the destroyed vertebra, despite a pyogenic environment, resulted in permanent resolution of the infection. There is potential for neurological recovery but full recovery is rare.
BACKGROUND:Paraplegia of non-traumatic origin has an increasing incidence. Infection of the spine is a major contributor to the number of these cases. Besides adequate management of spinal cord injury, the treatment of these patients requires specific therapeutic techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with acute pyogenic infection of the spine and spinal cord injury were admitted to our facility in the years 1997-2000. All except two patients were treated by surgical debridement and internal stabilisation. RESULTS: The infections healed after surgical treatment in all cases. Neurological function improved and no patient showed neurological deterioration. Both patients who were not fit for surgery died during treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgical instrumentation and replacement of the destroyed vertebra, despite a pyogenic environment, resulted in permanent resolution of the infection. There is potential for neurological recovery but full recovery is rare.