BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Brucellosis can affect the musculoskeletal system, and bony involvement ranges from 2% to 70% in the literature. Spinal brucellosis is generally localized to the sacroiliac region; thoracic brucellosis is rarely seen. PURPOSE: To present a case with noncontiguous multilevel thoracic brucellosis with spinal cord compression. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: The patient underwent aggressive surgical debridement (posterior decompression, fusion and stabilization, and two noncontiguous level anterior corpectomy and fusion procedures with titanium mesh cages). RESULTS: At the latest follow-up of 2 years, her clinical, radiological, and laboratory examination showed no recurrence of infection. The neurological examination was completely normal. CONCLUSION: Early aggressive debridement and stabilization together with medical treatment, especially in the elderly and immunocompromised patients, would be the most beneficial treatment for eradication of pathology.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Brucellosis can affect the musculoskeletal system, and bony involvement ranges from 2% to 70% in the literature. Spinal brucellosis is generally localized to the sacroiliac region; thoracic brucellosis is rarely seen. PURPOSE: To present a case with noncontiguous multilevel thoracic brucellosis with spinal cord compression. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: The patient underwent aggressive surgical debridement (posterior decompression, fusion and stabilization, and two noncontiguous level anterior corpectomy and fusion procedures with titanium mesh cages). RESULTS: At the latest follow-up of 2 years, her clinical, radiological, and laboratory examination showed no recurrence of infection. The neurological examination was completely normal. CONCLUSION: Early aggressive debridement and stabilization together with medical treatment, especially in the elderly and immunocompromised patients, would be the most beneficial treatment for eradication of pathology.