C Ewald1, J Gartemann, S A Kuhn, J Walter, R Kalff. 1. Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Klinikum der Friedrich Schiller-Universität, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747, Jena, Deutschland. Christian.ewald@med.uni-jena.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Bacterial spondylodiscitis is a rare entity in spinal surgery. This study analyses the postoperative results of 53 patients, focusing on the history, the treatment, and the course of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study is based on the patients' medical charts, including the laboratory and microbiological data. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients suffered from different neurological deficits ranging from isolated mild hypaesthesia (n=1) to complete paraplegia (n=6). Depending on the affected area and the extension of the infection, surgery was done either as simple decompression in 16 cases or as decompression combined with a ventral or dorsoventral stabilization in 37 patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most important triggering organism (n=23). After a median follow-up of 11.25 months, three patients had died, and 22 patients were still disabled because of persisting pain or neurological disturbances. CONCLUSION: Because of persistent neurological deficits and possible lethal complications, spondylodiscitis remains a severe problem. Management comprises targeted antibiotic therapy and surgery in selected cases.
OBJECTIVE:Bacterial spondylodiscitis is a rare entity in spinal surgery. This study analyses the postoperative results of 53 patients, focusing on the history, the treatment, and the course of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study is based on the patients' medical charts, including the laboratory and microbiological data. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients suffered from different neurological deficits ranging from isolated mild hypaesthesia (n=1) to complete paraplegia (n=6). Depending on the affected area and the extension of the infection, surgery was done either as simple decompression in 16 cases or as decompression combined with a ventral or dorsoventral stabilization in 37 patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most important triggering organism (n=23). After a median follow-up of 11.25 months, three patients had died, and 22 patients were still disabled because of persisting pain or neurological disturbances. CONCLUSION: Because of persistent neurological deficits and possible lethal complications, spondylodiscitis remains a severe problem. Management comprises targeted antibiotic therapy and surgery in selected cases.
Authors: Franck Grados; François Xavier Lescure; Eric Senneville; René Marc Flipo; Jean Luc Schmit; Patrice Fardellone Journal: Joint Bone Spine Date: 2007-02-02 Impact factor: 4.929