A disease that is difficult to diagnose and treat: evaluation of 343 spondylodiscitis cases

Objective Spondylodiscitis is an important clinical a problem requiring serious approaches. In this study, we sought to raise awareness by examining the epidemiology and laboratory, clinical, and radiological findings of spondylodiscitis, which sometimes has a delayed diagnosis and which can be difficult to treat. Methods In total, 343 patients with spondylodiscitis were included in the study. Results The patients were classified as having as pyogenic (n = 153, 44.6%), brucellar (n = 138, 40.2%), or tuberculous (n = 52, 15.2%) spondylodiscitis. Meanwhile, 281 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging, 71 underwent computed tomography, and 17 underwent scintigraphy for diagnosis. The rates of involvement at more than two segments and paraspinal abscess were significantly higher in tuberculous spondylodiscitis. However, disc involvement was significantly more common in brucellar and pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Conclusion The incidence of spondylodiscitis has increased substantially, especially in the young population. The invasive procedures and high rate of culture negativity make the diagnosis difficult. Therefore, clinical and radiological findings are useful in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis. Despite the high rate of culture negativity, every effort should be made to identify the causative organism using invasive methods.

Secondary anaerobic infection in a case of multidrug resistant tubercular paraspinal abscess: A rare presentation

Introduction. Paraspinal abscesses are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and some Gram-negative bacteria. In developing countries, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) contributes to almost 50 % of cases. Even in proven cases of tubercular paraspinal abscesses, secondary infection of aerobic or anaerobic bacteria is possible and should be carefully evaluated for proper management. Case report. A type I diabetes mellitus patient presented with chronic backache and lower limb weakness and radiological investigations showed paraspinal collections suggestive of tuberculosis. The patient was then started on anti-tubercular drugs, she initially responded and then showed gradual deterioration in the form of increased pain, fever and pus discharge. Aerobic cultures of pus were sterile and anaerobic culture grew Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus sensitive to metronidazole. Appropriate treatment had resulted in clinical improvement. Conclusion. Suspicion about co-infection with aerobic or anaerobic bacteria should be high even in proven cases of tubercular paraspinal abscess not improving despite proper anti-tubercular therapy.

A Case Of Atypical Presentation of Thoracic Osteomyelitis & Paraspinal Abscess

Here presented is a case involving a 44-year-old man with a chief complaint of sharp lateral right-sided rib pain with notable radiation to the anterior portion of the thorax and minor radiation around the lateral back. The etiology of the pain and radiculopathy, which was initially attributed to a right-sided rib fracture, was later accurately credited to a paraspinal abscess discovered on a lateral X-ray of the thoracic spine. Subsequently, studies including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and bone scan all confirmed the diagnosis of a paraspinal abscess between the right lobe and its neighboring T9 and T10 vertebrae. The mass was biopsied and methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. Appropriate surgical and medical intervention was possible due to the early diagnosis of the abscess.

Single-stage transverse process resection, debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation for the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis via posterior-only approach

Background: Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is a less frequently reported infectious spinal pathology. There are controversies on the surgical intervention of lumbar spinal TB with neurological damage and paraspinal abscess. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of single-stage transverse process resection, debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation for the treatment of lumbar spinal TB via posterior-only approach.Methods: From January 2015 to June 2018, 32 consecutive patients (19 males and 13 females) with lumber spinal TB complicated with neurological damage and paraspinal abscess treated by single-stage transverse process resection, debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation were enrolled. Medical records, imaging studies, laboratory data were collected and summarized. Anti-TB drugs with HREZ chemotherapy regimen was administered to all patients. Surgical outcomes were evaluated based on visual analogue scale (VAS), American Spinal injury Association (ASIA) classification. The changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), clinical symptoms and complications were investigated. Graft fusion was evaluated using Bridwell grading criteria.Results: The mean follow-up period was 20.41 ± 5.19 months. No implant failures were observed in any patients. Wound infection was observed in one patient. Solid bony fusion was achieved in 9 cases at 6 months and 23 cases at 12 months after operation. Kyphosis angle was 11.28 ± 4.01° at final follow-up. The levels of ESR and CRP were returned to normal at the final follow-up. VAS scores were significantly improved (P < 0.05). According to ASIA classification, 6 cases were classified as with grade D and 26 cases were classified as grade E at the last follow-up.Conclusion: Single-stage transverse process resection, debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation via posterior-only approach is a feasible and effective surgical therapy for lumbar spinal TB with neurological damage and paraspinal abscess.

Surgical Outcome & Cost Analysis of Single Stage Anterior Decompression and Cage Fixation in Patients with Thoracic and Lumbar Tuberculous Spondylitis: A Single Centre Experience Over Six – Years with Comprehensive Literature Review

Objective: For Tuberculous spondylitis (TS) the optimal mode of management for extensive tuberculous spondylitis is still a subject of debate. We determined the outcome for single stage anterior decompression and cage fixation for dorso-lumbar TS. Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted between 2012 and 2018. Worsening or new onset neurological deficit, increasing deformity, large paraspinal abscess and those not responding to anti-tuberculous drug therapy were included. Patients with severe comorbidities (> ASA class III) and recurrent cases were excluded. Demographics, clinical features, radiological characteristics, intraoperative details, postoperative complications and follow-up condition were recorded. Results: One patient with mean age of 45.6 ± 14.9 years with 17 (54.8%) males and 14 (45.2%) females. Mean symptoms duration was 71.9 ± 29.4 days. 41.9% had spasticity & 25.8% had sphincter dysfunction on presentation. Half (48%) of patients had a Frankel grade 3 or less bilaterally. Mean length of the procedure was 137.4 ± 19.9 minutes. 19.4% (n = 6) had postoperative pulmonary complications, 16.1% (n = 5) wound infection, 9.7% (n = 3) had worsening of neurologic deficit and one (3.2%) remained static. Graft extrusion and cage subsidence were noted in one (3.2%) patient each. Favorable outcome was observed in 83.9% (n = 26) while 16.1% (n = 5) had unfavorable outcome. Mean out-of-pocket cost was 164677.4 ± 11469.9 rupees (USD: 1187 approx). Conclusion: Timely spinal decompression with stabilization at the onset of the Pott’s disease in patients who fulfil the criteria as surgical candidates carries a promising outcome.