Abstracts Posters SICOT-SOF meeting Gothenburg 2010 _2_

Poster
Topic: Spine
Abstract number: 23994
PYOGENIC DISCITIS
Rajeshkumar KAKWANI, Anthony CROSS
Sunderland Hospital, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (UNITED KINGDOM)
Introduction: Spinal disc infection is associated with a significant morbidity and
mortality in the acute setting. On long term review it leads to significant moribidity due
to the deformity and secondary osteoarthritic changes in the surrounding vertebral
segments. Methods and Materials: Prospective collection of data of 21 patients
suffering from discitis was collected over the span of last 10 years. The age group
ranged between 21 -67 yrs. The male: female ratio was 1.2:1. The minimum delay in
presentation since the onset of symptoms was 8 weeks. The detection of the microorganism
was either by needle/open biopsy or indirectly via blood cultures. Serial
records were maintained of inflammatory markers. All patients received plain
radiographs, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans, and
bone/gallium radionuclide studies. Results: Operative decompression was performed
in 7 patients. Infection elsewhere was the most common predisposing factor.
Leukocyte counts were elevated in 54% of spondylodiscitis cases. The erythrocyte
sedimentation rate and CRP were elevated in all cases of epidural abscess. The
most common organism was Staph Aureus. Antibiotics were administered for
duration of at least 6 weeks. On long term, all patients developed deformity at the
level of the infection, with half of them being symptomatic. Conclusion: Spinal
infections are extremely morbid conditions demanding prompt diagnosis and urgent
treatment to prevent complications.
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