Diagnosis and Treatment of Spondylodiscitis: Insights From a Five-Year Single-Center Study

Abstract

Introduction: Spondylodiscitis is a rare but increasingly infectious disease affecting the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.

Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 36 patients admitted with spondylodiscitis over a five-year period, examining demographics, clinical features, risk factors, causative agents, treatment approaches, and outcomes.

Results: The patient cohort had a mean age of 53.7 years, with a slight male predominance (55.6%, n=20). The most common symptoms were pain corresponding to 83.3% (n=30) followed by fever in 44.4% (n=16), and neurological symptoms were observed in 41.7% (n=15) of cases. The lumbar spine was the most frequently affected region (47.2%, n=17), and abscess formation, particularly involving the psoas muscle, occurred in 37.5% of cases. Notably, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the predominant causative agent representing 50% (n=18) of all cases. All patients received antibiotic treatment, and 47.2% (n=17) required additional surgical intervention. Rehabilitation was initiated during hospitalization for 86.1% (n=31) of patients with six patients transferred to a rehabilitation yard. The overall mortality rate was 11.1% (n=3), primarily due to septic shock.

Conclusion: This study underscores the challenges of diagnosing spondylodiscitis and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to management, involving early rehabilitation to improve functional outcomes.

Keywords: lumbar abscess; rehabilitation; spinal cord infection; spine surgery; spondylodiscitis.