Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis and postsurgical disc space infections

Abstract

The presentation and clinical course for hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis and postoperative discitis is presented. The treatment is primarily conservative care in the form of immobilization and parenteral antibiotics. The indications for surgery are rare and should be reserved for patients resistant to treatment or with septic course, abscess formation, or neurologic deficits. In these cases, the infectious process has generally involved the adjacent vertebrae or the neural elements. Surgery usually involves an anterior approach. The principles of surgical treatment involve debridement of necrotic tissue, decompression of neural elements, and stabilization of the spine. The outcome of patients with vertebral osteomyelitis and secondary discitis in general is favorable when appropriate treatment is rendered. Extension of the infection to the spinal canal in the form of an epidural abscess is also reviewed.