Indications for and results of operative treatment of spondylitis and spondylodiscitis

Abstract

We present a retrospective follow-up study of 24 patients with spondylitis or spondylodiscitis whose treatment included surgical intervention. Tuberculous spondylitis was diagnosed in 14 patients and 10 suffered from non-specific spondylitis. The average age of the patients was 50.2 years and average follow-up was 3 years. All patients were asymptomatic at the time of examination and showed radiographic evidence of solid fusion. We recommend radical debridement and spinal fusion through a ventral approach in patients with destruction of the ventral vertebral body, progressive neurological impairment, septicaemia and antibiotic-resistant, symptomatic infections of the spine. In the elderly patient, even in reduced states of health, early surgical intervention can be particularly valuable. Although surgical intervention should be reserved for specific indications, we were able to document favourable results in all 24 patients treated with debridement and spinal fusion.