[Osteomyelitis of the spine]

Orthopade. 2004 Mar;33(3):305-15. doi: 10.1007/s00132-003-0603-2.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Spinal infections are rare, occurring most often in elderly patients with urinary tract infections or diabetes. With the increasing number of patients with immune suppression, and also the increasing number of immigrants in the population, spinal infections are seen more frequently, especially in young adults. Typically spinal infections are monomicrobial, Staphylococcus aureus being the most common organism. Hematogenous spread of bacteria through the arterial paravertebral collateral vessels into the subchondral bone marrow of the vertebral bodies is the most common source of infection. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific. Important diagnostic measurements are laboratory studies, radiological evaluation including MR image scans, and CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of the lesion for microbiological studies. The management of spinal infections consists of antimicrobial therapy over 6-8 weeks. Surgical intervention is indicated in neurologically compromised patients for spinal instability and abscesses.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Bacterial Infections / etiology
  • Bacterial Infections / therapy
  • Debridement
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Discitis / diagnosis
  • Discitis / etiology
  • Discitis / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / microbiology
  • Mycoses / diagnosis*
  • Mycoses / etiology
  • Mycoses / therapy
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnosis*
  • Osteomyelitis / etiology
  • Osteomyelitis / therapy
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Spondylitis / diagnosis*
  • Spondylitis / etiology
  • Spondylitis / therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / etiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / therapy
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents