Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection of the Spine Secondary to Oxygen – Ozone Therapy for Prolapse Intervertebral Disc: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Ozone therapy is one of the evolving, yet far from conclusive, alternative minimally invasive treatment option in the management of herniated disc in the cervical and lumbar spine. It causes the decrease in the volume of herniated disc by dehydration. Case Report: We hereby present the first reported case of Mycobacterium infection of the spine secondary to ozone therapy with the aim to caution the surgeons regarding the complications of intradiscal ozone therapy. Conclusion: Lack of proper, adequate, and recommended precautions if not taken can inoculate the varied microorganisms into the intradiscal space leading to devastating and unforeseen complications. Keywords: tuberculosis, ozone therapy, infection.

Echinococcosis of the spine

Echinococcosis or hydatid disease affecting the spine is an uncommon manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus infection of the spine. More commonly found in endemic areas, it causes significant morbidity and mortality as it grows slowly and produces symptoms mainly by compressing the spinal cord. As diagnostic methods are non-specific, diagnosis and management are usually delayed until the disease is advanced, thereby therapy is usually unlikely. Treatment is usually surgical, aiming at cyst excision, spinal cord decompression and spinal stabilization. This article summarizes the clinical findings of echinococcosis of the spine, discusses the specific laboratory and diagnostic findings, lists the current treatment options, and reviews the patients’ outcomes. The aim is to prompt clinicians to be aware of the possibility of echinococcosis as a possible diagnosis in endemic areas. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:288-296. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200130

Coxiella burnetii infection of the spine requiring neurosurgical intervention

Background: Infections from Coxiella burnetii, resulting in what is known as Q fever, are relatively rare and difficult to diagnose. Very few reports of spinal infection from C. burnetii have been reported rarely have these cases required surgical intervention. Case Description: We report a patient with the previous vascular surgery and Q fever spinal osteomyelitis. Previously reported cases with spinal involvement have described initial infection of vascular grafts in proximity to the spine. Literature on spinal infection from C. burnetii reports only one case that required surgical intervention of the spine. We report a patient with L5-S1 diskitis who required surgical intervention and subsequent percutaneous drainage. Conclusion: Spinal infections from C. burnetii are rare; however, in the setting of a patient with osteodiscitis with negative cultures as well as a history of significant vascular disease with stents, the diagnosis of Q fever should be entertained. Operative and interventional procedures should also be considered in these patients to help alleviate pain and maintain neurologic function.