Literatura osteomielitis vertebral 2006
miércoles, diciembre 12, 2007, 06:47 PM
(2006). "A 28-year-old man with neck ache." Clin Infect Dis 43(3): 320-1, 381-2.Acosta, F. L., Jr., H. E. Aryan, et al. (2006). "Successful outcome of six-level cervicothoracic corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction: case report and review of literature on multilevel cervicothoracic corpectomy." Eur Spine J 15 Suppl 17: 670-4.
The authors report the successful outcome of a six-level corpectomy across the cervico-thoracic spine with circumferential reconstruction in a patient with extensive osteomyelitis of the cervical and upper thoracic spine. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a corpectomy extending across six levels of the cervico-thoracic spine. Clinical relevance: the authors recommend anterior cage and plate-assisted reconstruction and additional posterior instrumentation using modern spinal surgical techniques and implants.
Altay, M., M. Kanbay, et al. (2006). "A case of bilateral psoas abscesses and lumbar osteomyelitis due to recurrent salmonella infection." J Natl Med Assoc 98(11): 1855-6.
Psoas abscess and lumbar osteomyelitis due to salmonella infection is very rare, although it is frequently seen all over the world. These two complications have severe clinical progress, poor prognosis and high mortality. Here, we report a case of salmonellosis presenting with bilateral multiple psoas abscesses and lumbar osteomyelitis, which resolved completely following medical treatment and percutoneous drainage of abscess.
Auguste, K. I., C. Chin, et al. (2006). "Expandable cylindrical cages in the cervical spine: a review of 22 cases." J Neurosurg Spine 4(4): 285-91.
OBJECT: Expandable cylindrical cages (ECCs) have been utilized successfully to reconstruct the thoracic and lumbar spine. Their advantages include ease of insertion, reduced endplate trauma, direct application/maintenance of interbody distraction force, and one-step kyphosis correction. The authors present their experience with ECCs in the reconstruction of the cervical spine in patients with various pathological conditions. METHODS: Data obtained in 22 patients were reviewed retrospectively. A standard anterior cervical corpectomy was performed in all cases. Local vertebral body bone was harvested for use as graft material. Patients underwent pre- and postoperative assessment involving the visual analog scale (VAS), Nurick grading system for determining myelopathy disability, and radiographic studies to determine cervical kyphosis/lordosis and cage subsidence. Fusion was defined as the absence of motion on flexion-extension x-ray films. Sixteen patients presented with spondylotic myelopathy, two with osteomyelitis, two with fracture, one with tumor metastasis, and one with severe stenosis. Fourteen patients underwent supplemental posterior spinal fusion, seven underwent single-level corpectomy, and 15 patients underwent multilevel corpectomy. No perioperative complications occurred. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. In 11 patients with preexisting kyphosis (mean deformity +19 degrees), the mean correction was 22 degrees. There was no statistically significant difference in subsidence between single- and multilevel corpectomy or between 360 degrees fusion and anterior fusion alone. The VAS scores improved by 35%, and the Nurick grade improved by 31%. The fusion rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results support the use of ECCs in the cervical spine in the treatment of patients with various disease processes. No significant subsidence was noted, and pain and functional scores improved in all cases. Expandable cylindrical cages appear to be well suited for cervical reconstruction and for correcting sagittal malalignment.
Bang, M. S. and S. H. Lim (2006). "Paraplegia caused by spinal infection after acupuncture." Spinal Cord 44(4): 258-9.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report of a 64-year-old man with psoas abscesses, epidural abscess and spondylitis after acupuncture. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of paraplegia caused by spinal infection after acupuncture. SETTING: Seoul, Korea. CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old man came to an emergency room because of severe back pain. At 3 days prior to visit, the patient received acupuncture therapy to the low back with a needle about 10 cm in length because of back pain. Pain was aggravated gradually for 3 days. Escherichia coli sepsis developed with altered mentality during admission. At hospital day 9, he regained his consciousness and was found to have paraplegia. Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) and lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abscesses of bilateral psoas muscles and spondylitis with epidural abscess. After conservative management with intravenous administration of antibiotics, infection was controlled but the patient remained paraplegic (ASIA scale C L1 level) without neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: Paraplegia might result from complications of an acupuncture therapy.
Bellabarba, C., T. A. Schildhauer, et al. (2006). "Complications associated with surgical stabilization of high-grade sacral fracture dislocations with spino-pelvic instability." Spine 31(11 Suppl): S80-8; discussion S104.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of 19 consecutive patients with sacral fracture dislocations and cauda equina syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To review the safety and patient impact of early surgical decompression, and rigid segmental stabilization in patients with high-grade sacral fracture dislocations. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The ideal treatment for patients presenting with fracture dislocations of the sacrum resulting from high-energy mechanisms remains unknown. Previous studies consisted of multicenter case reviews that showed satisfactory outcomes with either nonoperative or a variety of surgical methods. However, over the last 20 years, no consistent treatment algorithm for these severe injuries has emerged. The advent of rigid, low-profile segmental fixation of the lumbar spine to the pelvic ring has offered a solution to many of the surgical challenges. This study evaluates the rate of complications of this method. It is intended to serve as a foundation for further evaluation and development of this treatment strategy, and as a basis for future comparison studies. METHODS: Patients were treated with a formally established algorithm, including resuscitation, and clinical assessment with detailed neurologic assessment and radiographic workup with pelvic computerized tomography and reformatted views. Electrophysiologic testing was conducted to confirm the presence of sacral plexus injuries in patients who were unable to be examined. Patients received neural element decompression and open reduction with segmental internal fixation through a midline posterior approach by connecting lower lumbar pedicle screws to long iliac screws when the patient's general medical condition allowed for surgical intervention. A formal sacroiliac arthrodesis was not performed. For the purposes of this study, patients were assessed specifically for the following adverse events: (1) infection, (2) wound healing, (3) neurologic deterioration following surgical treatment, (4) postoperative loss of sacral fracture reduction, (5) instrumentation failure, (6) axial lumbopelvic pain requiring further treatment, and (7) unplanned secondary surgery. RESULTS: There were 19 patients with an average age of 32 years treated according to this algorithm. Fracture reduction was successfully maintained in all patients. During the index surgical intervention, 14/19 patients (74%) had had either a traumatic dural tear or nerve root avulsion. Major complications involved fracture of the connecting rods in 6/19 patients (31%) and wound healing disturbances in 5/19 (26%). There were no lasting complications such as chronic osteomyelitis noted. In patients followed over a 1-year period, the visual analog score, referable to the sacral injury, averaged 5.5 on a scale of 0-10. CONCLUSIONS: Rigid segmental lumbopelvic stabilization allowed for reliable fracture reduction of the lumbosacral spine and posterior pelvic ring, permitting early mobilization without external immobilizaton and neurologic improvement in a large number of patients. Complications were primarily related to infection, wound healing, and asymptomatic rod breakage, and were without long-term sequelae.
Bonfiglio, M., T. A. Lange, et al. (2006). "The Classic: Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: disk space infections. 1973." Clin Orthop Relat Res 444: 4-8.
Boswinkel, M., J. J. van der Lugt, et al. (2006). "[Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Rhodococcus equi in a three-and-half-month-old Dutch Warmblood foal]." Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 131(17): 612-6.
Rhodococcus equi infection occurs worldwide and is especially a problem in foals, where it often causes colitis or pneumonia. Other organs are seldom affected, and their involvement is regarded as a complication of pneumonia and/or colitis. Vertebral osteomyelitis is one such rare complication and is probably caused by haematogenous spread from inflammatory lesions in the lungs and/or intestine. In rare cases, osteomyelitis can be caused by contamination of a wound. This case study describes a foal with vertebral osteomyelitis due to R. equi in which there were only minor inflammatory changes in a mesenteric lymph node.
Butler, J. S., M. J. Shelly, et al. (2006). "Nontuberculous pyogenic spinal infection in adults: a 12-year experience from a tertiary referral center." Spine 31(23): 2695-700.
STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review of 48 cases of pyogenic spinal infection presenting over a 12-year period to the National Spinal Injuries Unit (NSIU) of the Republic of Ireland. The NSIU is the tertiary referral center for all adult spinal injuries and diseases of the spine warranting surgical intervention in the Republic of Ireland. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze the presentation, etiology, management, and outcome of nontuberculous pyogenic spinal infection in adults. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pyogenic spinal infection encompasses a broad range of clinical entities, including spondylodiscitis, septic discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, and epidural abscess. Management of pyogenic spinal infection can involve conservative methods and surgical intervention. METHODS: The medical records, radiologic imaging, and bacteriology results of 48 patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis from 1992 through 2004 were reviewed. The Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) System and the NSIU Database were used to identify our study cohort. RESULTS: The average age of presentation was 59 years with an even distribution between males and females. Most patients (21 of 48) were symptomatic for between 2 and 6 weeks before presenting to hospital. The most frequently isolated pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus, in 23 of 48 cases (48%); 35 of 48 cases (73%) were managed by conservative measures alone, including antibiotic therapy and spinal bracing. However, in 13 of 48 cases (27%), surgical intervention was required because of neurologic compromise or mechanical instability. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of cases, conservative management of pyogenic spinal infection with antibiotic therapy and spinal bracing is very successful. However, in a minority of cases, surgical intervention is warranted and referral to a specialist center is appropriate.
Chang, C. M., H. C. Lee, et al. (2006). "Cefotaxime-ciprofloxacin combination therapy for nontyphoid Salmonella bacteremia and paravertebral abscess after failure of monotherapy." Pharmacotherapy 26(11): 1671-4.
Therapeutic failure of monotherapy with either a third-generation cephalosporin or a fluoroquinolone against nontyphoid salmonellae has been observed in clinical practice. Combination therapy with both agents is recommended in the literature for treating life-threatening infections. However, we know of no published case reports that indicate a therapeutic advantage of this combination therapy for nontyphoid salmonellae infections. We describe a 60-year-old man who had breakthrough bacteremia with vertebral osteomyelitis and paravertebral abscess caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis. This was not controlled with sequential monotherapy but was eventually cured with cefotaxime-ciprofloxacin combination therapy. The Etest showed that the strain was susceptible to cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin, but resistant to nalidixic acid. Cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin in combination may be considered as an option for difficult-to-treat salmonellosis.
Chen, F., G. Lu, et al. (2006). "Mucormycosis spondylodiscitis after lumbar disc puncture." Eur Spine J 15(3): 370-6.
Vertebral osteomyelitis due to mucormycosis is a rare but fulminant and fatal disease. Only one case has been reported in literature, with postmortem diagnosis. The present paper reports a female case of mucormycosis spondylodiscitis and vertebral osteomyelitis after lumbar disc puncture and radio frequency nucleoplasty. She subsequently underwent two surgical debridements, continuous local irrigation and drainage, together with local and systemic Amphotericin B treatments. The infection was controlled 4 months after the second debridement; however, there was no improvement in the neurological function at the most recent follow-up, 16 months after the surgery. The experience of this patient, though a single case, supports early recognition, surgical debridement, systemic and local antifungal treatment, closed irrigation and drainage as the keys to successful treatment.
Chen, J. F. and S. T. Lee (2006). "Antibiotic-polymethylmethacrylate strut: an option for treating cervical pyogenic spondylitis. Case report." J Neurosurg Spine 5(1): 90-5.
Antibiotic-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement and beads constitute an effective system of local drug delivery of antibiotic agents in patients with bone and soft-tissue infections. Debridement followed by implantation of antibiotic-PMMA beads and systemic administration of antibiotic agents has achieved a 100% success rate in treating chronic osteomyelitis; however, there have been no reports of an antibiotic-PMMA strut for treating spinal pyogenic spondylitis. In this case report we describe a 57-year-old woman with C5-6 pyogenic spondylitis, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological deficits. The patient underwent anterior C-5 and C-6 corpectomy and spinal reconstruction in which we used an antibiotic-PMMA strut. The strut was 14 mm in diameter and contained PMMA and vancomycin powder. The operation was technically successful, and no complication related to anesthesia or the surgical procedure occurred. At the 12-month follow-up examination, dynamic radiographs revealed cervical spine stabilization. The patient's neck pain subsided and she recovered neurologically with no residual infection. No antibiotic-PMMA strut dislodgment or failure was identified; however, 9.8% subsidence of the strut into the vertebrae was observed. The long-term outcome in this case requires further evaluation.
Chen, W. H., L. S. Jiang, et al. (2007). "Surgical treatment of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis with spinal instrumentation." Eur Spine J 16(9): 1307-16.
Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis responds well to conservative treatment at early stage, but more complicated and advanced conditions, including mechanical spinal instability, epidural abscess formation, neurologic deficits, and refractoriness to antibiotic therapy, usually require surgical intervention. The subject of using metallic implants in the setting of infection remains controversial, although more and more surgeons acknowledge that instrumentation can help the body to combat the infection rather than to interfere with it. The combination of radical debridement and instrumentation has lots of merits such as, restoration and maintenance of the sagittal alignment of the spine, stabilization of the spinal column and reduction of bed rest period. This issue must be viewed in the context of the overall and detailed health conditions of the subjecting patient. We think the culprit for the recurrence of infection is not the implants itself, but is the compromised general health condition of the patients. In this review, we focus on surgical treatment of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis with special attention to the role of spinal instrumentation in the presence of pyogenic infection.
Corrales-Medina, V., S. Symes, et al. (2006). "Localized Mycobacterium avium complex infection of vertebral and paravertebral structures in an HIV patient on highly active antiretroviral therapy." South Med J 99(2): 174-7.
Crary, S. E., G. R. Buchanan, et al. (2006). "Venous thrombosis and thromboembolism in children with osteomyelitis." J Pediatr 149(4): 537-41.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical features of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complicating osteomyelitis during childhood. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with osteomyelitis admitted to Children's Medical Center Dallas between July 1, 2003 and December 31, 2004. Analysis was performed on patients with proximal upper or lower extremity, pelvic or vertebral osteomyelitis (a subgroup considered to be at highest risk for infection-related thrombosis). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients had confirmed osteomyelitis of the proximal humerus, proximal tibia/fibula, femur, pelvis, or vertebrae. Ten of these 35 children (29%) developed DVT during the acute infection based on imaging studies performed. Eight thrombi occurred adjacent to the infection and two occurred in relation to central venous catheters. Six of the 10 children with DVT also had evidence of infection disseminated to lung, brain, or heart, compared with only 1 of 25 patients without DVT (P = .001). Hospitalization was longer in those with DVT than without (33.5 v. 14.2 days, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Thromboembolic complications can occur in the setting of osteomyelitis, and affected patients may be at higher risk of disseminated infection.
Davidson, L. and J. G. McComb (2006). "Epidural-cutaneous fistula in association with the Pott puffy tumor in an adolescent. Case report." J Neurosurg 105(3 Suppl): 235-7.
The Pott puffy tumor is a subperiosteal abscess associated with underlying osteomyelitis, most often of the frontal bone in conjunction with frontal sinusitis. Intracranial sequelae can include epidural abscess, subdural empyema, intraparenchymal abscess, meningitis, and dural venous thrombophlebitis, all with resultant neurological deterioration. Although once common, this entity has become rare since the introduction of antibiotic agents. The authors present an unusual case of a 14-year-old girl suffering from the Pott puffy tumor whose condition was further complicated by a draining epidural-cutaneous fistula and an epidural abscess.
Di Stilio, G., C. M. Rica, et al. (2006). "[Candida spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess]." Medicina (B Aires) 66(4): 338-40.
Candida spondylodiscitis associatd with epidural abscess is rarely seen. We present a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma who received chemotherapy and developed systemic Candida infection, which was complicated by Candida spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess.
Dimaala, J., G. Chaljub, et al. (2006). "Odontoid osteomyelitis masquerading as a C2 fracture in an 18-month-old male with torticollis: CT and MRI features." Emerg Radiol 12(5): 234-6.
Odontoid osteomyelitis is a rare entity and can be confused with other disease processes, requiring imaging to clarify the diagnosis. The following describes a pediatric case and the associated MR and CT findings.
El-Maghraby, T. A., H. M. Moustafa, et al. (2006). "Nuclear medicine methods for evaluation of skeletal infection among other diagnostic modalities." Q J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 50(3): 167-92.
Skeletal infection continues to be a common and difficult condition in clinical practice and early accurate diagnosis is very challenging. Clinical and laboratory features of skeletal infections are not always present, may be confusing, and are nonspecific for bone infection in its early stages, therefore, several imaging modalities are used for early detection of osteomyelitis. Plain films should always be the first step in the imaging assessment of osteomyelitis, however, the sensitivity for X-ray radiography has been reported to range from 43% to 75%, and the specificity from 75% to 83%. Over years, scintigraphic procedures have become an essential part of the diagnostic procedure for osteomyelitis. The standard approach for bone scintigraphy with tech 99mTc labeled methylene diphosphonate to assess for osteomyelitis is to perform a three-phase procedure. The positive uptake on all three phases is highly sensitive for osteomyelitis (sensitivity 73% to 100%). 67Ga citrate gained more attention for the more specific diagnosis of osteomyelitis due to its known capacity to localize in cases of active infection and pus. The reported specificity for 67Ga scintigraphy in osteomyelitis is around 67-70% and the specificity is much higher (92%) when 67Ga single photon emission tomography was obtained. Labeled white blood cell (WBC) imaging has become the procedure of choice to diagnose most cases of skeletal infections except for those of the spine. Labeling of leucocytes can be done either by 111In or 99mTc labeled hexamethylpropylene amineoxime. The sensitivity and specificity for labeled WBCs are in the high range of 80% to 90%. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) has been found to accumulate non-specifically at sites of infection and inflammation. Investigational studies showed that PET is particularly valuable in the evaluation of chronic osteomyelitis and infected prostheses. Other imaging modalities include sonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The sensitivity and specificity of CT for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis has not been established clearly and are in the range of 65% to 75%. The sensitivity of MRI for osteomyelitis has been generally reported as being between 82% and 100%, and specificity between 75% and 96%. Cases of osteomyelitis commonly referred to diagnostic imaging departments include chronic osteomyelitis, diabetic foot infections, vertebral osteomyelitis, joint prostheses and patients with suspected reinfection. These specific entities need special attention and careful selection of the correct tracer or combination of imaging modalities that is best suited for the proper therapeutic management protocols.
Fenichel, I. and I. Caspi (2006). "The use of external fixation for the treatment of spine infection with Actinomyces bacillus." J Spinal Disord Tech 19(1): 61-4.
OBJECTIVE: External fixation can be used for stabilization of the spine in salvage cases, especially in cases of infection of the spine. The advantages of this method are avoiding the needs for internal fixation devices and for postoperative bracing. The literature on this is scant. Reported is a rare case of osteomyelitis of the D2 vertebra with an epidural abscess caused by Actinomyces israelii that spread from the lung and was treated by decompression and external fixation. METHODS: A 51-year-old man with right upper lobe pneumonia due to A. israelii coccobacillus developed osteomyelitis of the D2 vertebra and an epidural abscess with a gradual paraparesis. He underwent a laminectomy of D1-D3 and 3 weeks later stabilization of the upper thoracic spine using a tubular external fixator that was inserted from C7-D1 to D3-D4. The patient was treated with antibiotic intravenously and later orally. After 2 months, the external fixator was removed. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the patient had no fever, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level had normal values, and there was only a slight limitation in the range of motion of the cervical paraparesis. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated stabilization of the affected segment without any sign of active osteomyelitis. There were no complications associated with the use of the external fixator. CONCLUSIONS: The use of external fixation offers an appropriate alternative for stabilization of the spine as a salvage procedure. The procedure could be performed easily and without any major complications. Especially for the treatment of complicated cases of spinal infection, the use of an external fixator can be of great benefit.
Fukuda, Y., K. Ando, et al. (2006). "Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) MRI contrast agent for bone marrow imaging: differentiating bone metastasis and osteomyelitis." Magn Reson Med Sci 5(4): 191-6.
PURPOSE: We explored appropriate scan timing for bone marrow imaging enhanced using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and evaluated the usefulness of SPIO in differentiating metastasis and osteomyelitis in patients. METHODS: To determine the adequate scan timing after administration of SPIO, 5 healthy subjects were examined using a 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scanner. Sagittal images of their lumbar spines were obtained using short-TI inversion recovery (STIR) sequence before and 3, 6, 9, 24, and 48 hours after intravenous injection of 8 micromol Fe/kg SPIO (ferucarbotran). MR signal intensities (SIs) were evaluated. Based on the results, 12 patients, five with bone metastasis and seven with vertebral osteomyelitis, were examined using the same procedure before and 3 hours after intravenous injection of ferucarbotran at the same dose. SIs of the bone metastases, osteomyelitis, and surrounding normal bone marrow were measured, and relative enhancement (RE) was calculated for each lesion. RESULTS: In the healthy volunteers, maximum reduction in signal was observed 3 to 24 hours (P<0.05) after administration of SPIO; thereafter and up to 48 hours, the SI gradually recovered. In the patients, the RE of the bone metastases was -12.2%, which was significantly higher than that in the osteomyelitis (-35.0%, P<0.001) and normal bone marrow (-46.6%, P<0.0005). CONCLUSION: Maximum suppression of signal intensity in bone marrow was seen 3 hours after injection of ferucarbotran, the point at which ferucarbotran allows differentiation of bone metastasis from ostoemyelitis.
Gearhart, J. G., R. C. Forbes, et al. (2006). "Referring to the hip." J Miss State Med Assoc 47(2): 42-5.
Girn, H. R., G. Towns, et al. (2006). "Gorham's disease of skull base and cervical spine--confusing picture in a two year old." Acta Neurochir (Wien) 148(8): 909-13; discussion 913.
The unusual presentation of Gorham's disease of skull base and cervical spine in a two-year-old female child with radiological signs mimicking those of raised intracranial pressure is discussed. The differential diagnosis consists of skull base tumours, meningitis, osteomyelitis of the base of skull, congenital hydrocephalaus and congenital syndromes involving the skull base. Pathologically it can be very difficult to differentiate it from lymphangioma of the bone. Difficulty in establishing the diagnosis is discussed along with failure of radiotherapy and palmidronate therapy to cause arrest of the disease process and failure of surgery to provide stabilisation. We describe the course of the disease in this child over the period of last eight years. To the best of our knowledge this is the youngest case of Gorham's described so far.
Gottlieb, J. R. and F. J. Eismont (2006). "Nonoperative treatment of vertebral blastomycosis osteomyelitis associated with paraspinal abscess and cord compression. A case report." J Bone Joint Surg Am 88(4): 854-6.
Guseva, V. N., M. V. Beliakov, et al. (2006). "[Elastic materials in surgery for inflammatory diseases of the vertebral column]." Probl Tuberk Bolezn Legk(11): 35-8.
When 17 patients were surgically treated for spinal tuberculosis and osteomyelitis, anterior spine fusion was performed by A. Ye. Garbuz's procedure that was based on the replacement of a spinal defect by a carbon-carbonic implant that had rifampicin containers in the frontal sections, as well as by autologous bone grafts. The carbon-carbonic implants reliably fix an operated spinal portion, prevent the progression of kyphotic deformity, and create good conditions for autologous bone grafts to knit. An osteocarbonic block forms in the late postoperative period.
Guseva, V. N., O. V. Dolenko, et al. (2006). "[Clinical, x-ray, and laboratory features of tuberculosis and osteomyelitis of the spine]." Probl Tuberk Bolezn Legk(11): 9-13.
In 20% of cases, tuberculous spondylitis running with a prevalence of the exudative-necrotic type of a local tissue reaction has an acute onset with febrile fever, severe pains, and progressive neurological disorders and clinically resembles acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the spine. With a predominance of the productive type of a tissue reaction, tuberculous spondylitis resembles subacute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the spine. History data, laboratory parameters, and an X-ray follow-up are of great importance in its differential diagnosis.
Hajjaji, N., L. Hocqueloux, et al. (2007). "Bone infection in cat-scratch disease: a review of the literature." J Infect 54(5): 417-21.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the main features of bone infection associated with Cat-scratch disease (CSD). METHODS: We searched for articles indexed in the international literature databases by using the following key words: "Bartonella", "bone", "cat-scratch", "osteomyelitis" and "osteolytic". RESULTS: Cases of 47 patients were reviewed. The median age was 9 years, with an equal sex distribution. Bone pain and fever were the main symptoms. The presence of fever and increased age were more common in patients with bone infection than classically reported in uncomplicated (i.e. nodal) CSD. The vertebral column and pelvic girdle were the most common sites of infection. Radiological examination typically confirmed bone osteolysis. All patients recovered without complications or chronic infection, although they received a various combination antibiotic regimen and duration therapy. The mechanism by which infection might spread to the bone is via the haematogenous route, accounting for most of the disseminated cases and via the lymphatic route, for those with regional limited extension. CONCLUSIONS: Bone infection is rare but should be considered when bone pain and fever are present in a patient with nodal CSD. The prognosis is good, whatever treatment is given. Thus bone biopsy should be recommended only in a difficult diagnostic setting, when other bacteria or malignant disease are suspected.
Hassoun, A., Y. Taur, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of thin needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis and management of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO)." Int J Infect Dis 10(6): 486-7.
Heyde, C. E., H. Boehm, et al. (2006). "Surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis in the cervical spine: a minimum 2-year follow-up." Eur Spine J 15(9): 1380-7.
Cervical spine spondylodiscitis is a rare, but serious manifestation of spinal infection. We present a retrospective study of 20 consecutive patients between 01/1994 and 12/1999 treated because of cervical spondylodiscitis. Mean age at the time of treatment was 59.7 (range 34-81) years, nine of them female. In all cases, diagnosis had been established with a delay. All patients in this series underwent surgery such as radical debridement, decompression if necessary, autologous bone grafting and instrumentation. Surgery was indicated if a neurological deficit, symptoms of sepsis, epidural abscess formation with consecutive stenosis, instability or severe deformity were present. Postoperative antibiotic therapy was carried out for 8-12 weeks. Follow-up examinations were performed a mean of 37 (range 24-63) months after surgery. Healing of the inflammation was confirmed in all cases by laboratory, clinical and radiological parameters. Spondylodesis was controlled radiologically and could be achieved in all cases. One case showed a 15 degrees kyphotic angle in the proximal adjacent segment. Spontaneous bony bridging of the proximal adjacent segment was observed in one patient. In the other cases the adjacent segments radiologically showed neither fusion nor infection related changes. Preoperative neurological deficits improved in all cases. Residual neurological deficits persisted in three of eight cases. The results indicate that spondylodiscitis in cervical spine should be treated early and aggressive to avoid local and systemic complications.
Hodges, F. S., S. McAtee, et al. (2006). "The ability of MRI to predict failure of nonoperative treatment of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis." J Spinal Disord Tech 19(8): 566-70.
Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) can be treated most often by medical management. For those failing with medical management, surgical delay can result in increased morbidity. Therefore, the ability to predict failure of medical management on presentation would greatly improve the outcome. This study determines the ability of the presenting magnetic resonance imaging scan to predict failure of nonoperative management at the onset of treatment. A cohort of patients with PVO, initially treated medically, was reviewed. Imaging, demographics, and clinical data of patients successfully treated medically were compared with those ultimately requiring surgical treatment. The extent of signal change on the T1-weighted sagittal images of the affected motion segment was determined for each group. Twenty-two patients were included in the study. Patients successfully treated medically averaged 57%+/-19% of motion segment involvement, whereas those failing conservative treatment averaged 89%+/-18%. Using 90% involvement as an indication for initial surgery would have a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 93%. Patients with thoracolumbar PVO who have 90% or higher involvement of an affected motion segment should be considered for early operative management.
Honeybul, S., D. A. Lang, et al. (2006). "Group B streptococcal cervical osteomyelitis in a neonate." J Clin Neurosci 13(5): 607-12.
Neonatal cervical osteomyelitis is extremely rare, with only a few reported cases. In most instances, Staphylococcus aureus is the infecting organism. The authors report a case of group B streptococcal osteomyelitis affecting the cervical spine. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties that these cases present, and emphasises the role of a multidisciplinary team approach to management.
Huttner, B. and M. Opravil (2006). "[Infectious spondylitis]." Z Rheumatol 65(1): 7-11.
Infectious spondylitis usually involves osteomyelitis in two adjacent vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disc (spondylodiscitis). The most common location is the lumbar spine, followed by the thoracic spine. Symptoms are nonspecific, leading to a delay in diagnosis, in many cases, of several weeks. A large number of infectious agents can cause vertebral osteomyelitis, usually reaching the vertebra by hematogenous spread. The most commonly isolated agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Spondylitis remains the most common skeletal manifestation of tuberculosis. As with other forms of osteomyelitis, microbiological diagnosis is essential for the choice of adequate therapy. The majority of cases can be cured with antibiotic therapy alone.
Jaramillo-de la Torre, J. J., R. J. Bohinski, et al. (2006). "Vertebral osteomyelitis." Neurosurg Clin N Am 17(3): 339-51, vii.
Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is an infectious disease of the vertebral body that requires early diagnosis with identification of the infecting organism to direct antibiotic therapy. Most VO can be treated nonsurgically, but 10% to 20% of cases require open surgical treatment. Excellent clinical outcomes can be achieved with appropriate medical and surgical treatment.
Kayser, R., K. Mahlfeld, et al. (2006). "Tight hamstring syndrome and extra- or intraspinal diseases in childhood: a multicenter study." Eur Spine J 15(4): 403-8.
Tight hamstrings syndrome (THS) has been attributed to a number of disorders. Most authors argue that tight hamstring syndrome is determined in the majority of cases by a protruding or slipped vertebral disc. The term "disc related tight hamstring syndrome" is usually used to describe the condition. However, tight hamstring syndrome in childhood can also be an initial symptom of a usually severe disease. We reviewed retrospectively 102 children who had presented to our clinics with tight hamstring syndrome in the past 22 years (between 1980 and 2001). To our knowledge, this study includes the largest number of patients with tight hamstring syndrome analysed so far. Seventy four children (73%) suffered from severe underlying diseases. In more than one-third of all THS cases (38 of 102 cases; 37%), we observed intra- or extraspinal tumorous alterations. In 15% of the cases (15 of 102), osteomyelitis or spondylodiscitis was diagnosed. Only in 27% of the cases (28 of 102), disc protrusion, one of the commonly known underlying diagnoses (14 cases), or higher-grade spondylolisthesis/spondyloptosis (14 cases) were the inciters. Our results suggest that tight hamstring syndrome in childhood can be an initial symptom of an associated, usually severe disease. We conclude that therefore further diagnostic evaluation is required when tight hamstring syndrome is observed. A rapid initiation of an adequate primary therapy could be indicated.
Khan, F. Y., A. H. El-Hiday, et al. (2006). "Typhoid osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine." Hong Kong Med J 12(5): 391-3.
A 25-year-old Nepali man presented with a 20-day history of fever associated with a lower backache. Physical examination found tenderness over the lower lumbar vertebrae. Magnetic resonance imaging following intravenous contrast injection showed enhancement of the L4 and L5 vertebrae, particularly pronounced around the intervening disc, and areas of endplate erosion. Extra-vertebral enhancement and a small subligamentous anterior collection were also noted. Computed tomography-guided needle aspiration was performed at the level of L4/5 disc material and culture of the specimen grew Salmonella typhi sensitive to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone. The patient received intravenous ampicillin 2 g per 4 hours for 6 weeks. The back pain resolved completely and the patient was discharged. Typhoid osteomyelitis of the spine should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients from endemic areas who present with fever and backache.
Khan, M. H., P. N. Smith, et al. (2006). "Serum C-reactive protein levels correlate with clinical response in patients treated with antibiotics for wound infections after spinal surgery." Spine J 6(3): 311-5.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) have been used to diagnose postoperative infections after spinal surgery. However, it has not been demonstrated if resolution of the signs and symptoms of postoperative spinal wound infections in patients who are being treated with intravenous antibiotics correlates with these markers. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine if improvement of the signs and symptoms of postoperative wound infection after spinal surgery correlates with a decrease in serum CRP and ESR while intravenous antibiotics are administered. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study consisted of 21 patients (mean age 63.8 years; 13 female, 8 male) with postoperative wound infections after spinal surgery. They were studied for a minimum of 20 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: CRP and ESR were measured at the time of diagnosis and at serial time-points. METHODS: All patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy for 6-8 weeks. Patients were monitored for clinical signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, drainage, erythema, or a need for continued wound packing at 4, 7, and 20 weeks after being diagnosed with a wound infection. RESULTS: The average CRP for all 21 patients at time of diagnosis was 11.7+/-9.0 mg/dL (range 1.2 to 37.8 mg/dL). At the 4-week time-point, 16 patients ("early responders") showed clinical improvement with no fevers, no wound drainage, no erythema, and no need for wound packing. The average CRP of this group at the 4-week time-point decreased to 0.3+/-0.5 mg/dL. In contrast, at the 4-week time-point five patients ("late responders") still had signs and symptoms of infection (2 with continuing drainage requiring wound packing; 1 with vertebral osteomyelitis requiring irrigation and debridement; 2 with erythema without fevers). The average CRP for this group was still elevated at the 4-week time-point at 7.3+/-3.5 mg/dL. The CRP value difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p<.05). As treatment continued, at the 20-week time-point the average CRP of the late responders gradually decreased to 0.8+/-0.8 mg/dL, which was not statistically different from that of the early responders (average CRP=0.6+/-1.1 mg/dL). All 21 patients had resolution of infection at the 20-week time-point. The ESR did not correlate well with clinical improvement. At time of diagnosis, the ESR of both early responders (average=57.6+/-27.6 mm/hr) and late responders (average=64.0+/-21.9 mm/hr) was elevated. It remained elevated for both groups from the beginning of the study to the end at all time-points. The final ESR at the 20-week time-point was not different between the early responders and late responders (average=27.6+/-22.3 mm/hr vs. 31.0+/-2.6 mm/hr, respectively; p>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that CRP may be of value in following the treatment response to antibiotics in wound infections after spinal surgery. The ESR can remain elevated in the presence of a normal CRP despite a resolution of clinical signs and symptoms of postoperative wound infection.
Khazim, R. M., U. K. Debnath, et al. (2006). "Candida albicans osteomyelitis of the spine: progressive clinical and radiological features and surgical management in three cases." Eur Spine J 15(9): 1404-10.
Candida albicans vertebral osteomyelitis is rare. Three cases are presented. Without antifungal treatment, they developed spinal collapse and neurological deterioration within 3-6 months from the onset of symptoms. There was a delay of 4.5 and 7.5 months between the onset of symptoms and surgery. All patients were managed with surgical debridement and reconstruction and 12-week fluconazole treatment. The neurological deficits resolved completely. The infection has not recurred clinically or radiologically at 5-6 years follow-up. Although rare, Candida should be suspected as a causative pathogen in cases of spinal osteomyelitis. Without treatment the disease is progressive. As soon as osteomyelitis is suspected, investigations with MRI and percutaneous biopsy should be performed followed by medical therapy. This may prevent the need for surgery. However, if vertebral collapse and spinal cord compression occurs, surgical debridement, fusion and stabilisation combined with antifungal medications can successfully eradicate the infection and resolve the neurological deficits.
Korovessis, P., G. Petsinis, et al. (2006). "Anterior surgery with insertion of titanium mesh cage and posterior instrumented fusion performed sequentially on the same day under one anesthesia for septic spondylitis of thoracolumbar spine: is the use of titanium mesh cages safe?" Spine 31(9): 1014-9.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome on patients with pyogenic spondylitis of the thoracolumbar spine following combined anterior and posterior surgery. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Several methods of surgical treatment of pyogenic spondylitis have been reported. These include anterior approach, staged and simultaneous anterior decompression, and posterior stabilization. The use of anterior implants in the presence of an infection presents a challenge for spine surgeons. This study analyzes the clinical and radiologic outcome of surgical intervention on patients with pyogenic spondylitis of the thoracolumbar spine who were treated surgically for intractable pain, instability, and neurologic impairment. METHODS: Fourteen patients (6 women, 8 men) with thoracolumbar spondylitis were treated with anterior surgery with insertion of titanium mesh cage and posterior instrumented fusion performed sequentially on the same day under one anesthesia. The age (average, SD) of the patients at the time of surgery was 55 +/- 16 years (range, 29-83 years). Most patients had also systemic diseases as lung tuberculosis, hepatic cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, or chronic renal failure. Patients were evaluated before and after surgery in terms of pain, neurologic level, sagittal spinal balance, and radiologic fusion. RESULTS: The average duration of the combined surgery was 4.5 hours. All patients were observed up for an average of 45 months (range, 37-116 months). The Visual Analog Scale score (average, range) improved from 7 (range, 4-10) before surgery to 2 (range, 0-5) after surgery. Correction (average, range) of segmental kyphotic deformity was 6 degrees (range, 0 degrees-11 degrees) without loss of correction at the final observation. Neither a postoperative change of the position of mesh cage nor any posterior instrumentation failure was recorded. Patients with incomplete neurologic impairment showed improvement after surgery at an average 1.4 Frankel's grade. There was one complication, an anterior wound abscess culminating in an abdominal hernia. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study showed that patients with thoracolumbar osteomyelitis can successfully undergo anterior surgery with insertion of titanium mesh cage and posterior instrumented fusion performed sequentially on the same day under one anesthesia. The presence of the mesh cage anteriorly at the site of spondylitis had no negative influence on the course of infection healing, and additionally it stabilized the affected segment maintaining sufficient sagittal profile.
Kuklin, D. V. and A. Mishkin (2006). "[Posteriorinstrumental spinal fixation in tuberculous spondylitis and osteomyelitis of the vertebral bodies]." Probl Tuberk Bolezn Legk(11): 29-35.
The short- and long-term results of surgical treatment were studied in 74 patients with tuberculous spondylitis and in 20 patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the vertebral column. All the patients underwent radical reconstructive operations on the anterior vertebral column if they had an active inflammatory process. The operations were supplemented by an interstitial posterior instrumental fixation with the Hurrington manipulation reduction frames or the plates, developed at the Central Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, in 11 cases and with the Cotrel-Dubosse tools in 28 cases. The Cotrel-Dubosse tools were shown to have significant advantages in correcting kyphosis and preventing graft resorption and chronic pain syndrome in tuberculous spondylitis.
Kuklo, T. R., B. K. Potter, et al. (2006). "Single-stage treatment of pyogenic spinal infection with titanium mesh cages." J Spinal Disord Tech 19(5): 376-82.
STUDY DESIGN: Single institution retrospective review. OBJECTIVES: To report a series of pyogenic spinal infections treated with single-stage debridement and reconstruction with titanium mesh cages. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Various studies have reported surgical results of pyogenic spinal osteomyelitis with anterior debridement, strut grafting and fusion, including delayed posterior spinal instrumentation. Additionally, various authors have recommended against the use of instrumentation because of the concern about glycocalyx formation on the metal and chronic infection. At our institution, we routinely treat chronic vertebral osteomyelitis with single-stage debridement, reconstruction with a titanium mesh cage filled with allograft chips and demineralized bone matrix, and posterior pedicle screw instrumentation. To our knowledge, this is the largest single series reporting single-stage debridement and instrumentation of pyogenic spinal infection with titanium mesh cages and posterior instrumentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the patient records and radiographs of 21 consecutive patients (average age 49.3 years, range 23 to 80 years) with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, all treated with titanium mesh cages. Average follow-up was 44 months (range, 25 to 70 months). Spinal levels included 6 thoracic, 4 thoracolumbar, 9 lumbar, and 2 lumbosacral (L5-S1) lesions. All patients had preoperative serum evaluation, which usually included blood cultures, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), in addition to plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. A positive needle biopsy was available in only 2/7 patients (29%), and overall, preoperative pathogen identification was available in only 7/21 patients (33%). All patients were treated postoperatively with a minimum of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, with a specific antibiotic regimen directed toward the postoperative pathogen when identified (17/21 cases). Extensive radiographic evaluation was also performed. RESULTS: ESR and CRP were routinely elevated (18/20 and 11/17 cases respectively), whereas the white blood count was elevated in only 8 out of 21 cases (38%). The average duration of symptoms to diagnosis was approximately 13.6 weeks (range 3 weeks to 10 months). The indications for surgery included neurologic compromise, significant vertebral body destruction with loss of sagittal alignment, failure of medical treatment, and/or epidural abscess. All patients had resolution of infection, as noted by normalization of the ESR and CRP. Further, 16 out of 21 patients also had a significant reduction of pain. There were no deaths or new postoperative neurologic compromise. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Two patients required a second surgery (posterior irrigation and debridement) during the same admission for persistent wound drainage. Radiographically, the average segmental kyphosis (or loss of lordosis) was 11.5 degrees (range, 0 to 24 degrees) preoperatively, and +0.8 degrees (range, -3 to +5 degrees) at latest postoperative follow-up. There was an average of 2.2 mm cage settling (range, 0 to 5 mm) on latest follow-up. There were no instrumentation failures, signs of chronic infection, or rejection. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium mesh cages present a viable option for single-stage anterior surgical debridement and reconstruction of vertebral osteomyelitis, without evidence of chronic infection or rejection. When used in conjunction with pedicle screw instrumentation, there is minimal cage settling without loss of sagittal alignment.
Kwon, H. S., Y. S. Chang, et al. (2006). "A case of hypersensitivity syndrome to both vancomycin and teicoplanin." J Korean Med Sci 21(6): 1108-10.
Drug hypersensitivity syndrome to both vancomycin and teicoplanin has not been previously reported. We describe here a 50-yr-old male patient with vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess who developed hypersensitivity syndrome to both vancomycin and teicoplanin. Skin rash, fever, eosinophilia, interstitial pneumonitis, and interstitial nephritis developed following the administration of each drug, and resolved after withdrawing the drugs and treating with high dose corticosteroids. The vertebral osteomyelitis was successfully treated with 6-week course of linezolid without further complications. Skin patch tests for vancomycin and teicoplanin was done 2 months after the recovery; a weak positive result for vancomycin (10% aq.,+at D2 and +at D4 with erythema and vesicles; ICDRG scale), and a doubtful result for teicoplanin (4% aq.-at D2 and+/-at D4 with macular erythema; ICDRG scale). We present this case to alert clinicians to the hypersensitivity syndrome that can result from vancomycin and teicoplanin, with possible cross-reactivity, which could potentially be life-threatening.
Layton, K. F., K. R. Thielen, et al. (2006). "A modified vertebroplasty approach for spine biopsies." AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 27(3): 596-7.
There are various techniques available for percutaneous biopsy of suspected diskitis/osteomyelitis. Our technique has evolved as our experience with percutaneous vertebroplasty has grown. By using a transpedicular approach, we angle a bone biopsy needle in an exaggerated caudocranial trajectory to allow eventual access across the disk space above. This approach permits sampling of the disk space, as well as both adjacent vertebral endplates. We describe our percutaneous modified vertebroplasty approach for biopsy of suspected diskitis/osteomyelitis.
Lim, E. C., E. P. Wilder-Smith, et al. (2006). "A blessing in disguise: resolution of tardive dyskinesia with development of cervical myelitis." Mov Disord 21(1): 120-2.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD), which is frequently seen in patients treated with dopamine receptor blocking agents, is difficult to manage. We report on a young Chinese man with bipolar disorder who developed TD after haloperidol treatment, involving the trunk, limbs, and orofacial area. TD persisted despite switching to atypical antipsychotic agents and treatment with valproate, benzodiazepines, and tetrabenazine. Resolution only occurred years later when he developed quadriplegia arising from infective myelitis of the cervical cord (C4-5). He had concomitant vertebral osteomyelitis, which was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics. With intensive rehabilitation, he recovered the use of his limbs, but had no recurrence of TD. We attribute the resolution of orofacial dyskinesias with a cervical lesion to the interconnections between the orofacial area and cervical spine via the trigeminal nucleus (which has fibers descending as far caudally as C6), as well as to resetting of cortical maps.
Maron, R., D. Levine, et al. (2006). "Two cases of pott disease associated with bilateral psoas abscesses: case report." Spine 31(16): E561-4.
STUDY DESIGN: Two case reports and a literature review of spinal osteomyelitis with bilateral psoas abscesses secondary to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: Describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of spinal tuberculosis (i.e., Pott disease). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pott disease is a well-known condition in unindustrialized countries causing multiple spinal deformities in children. However, its association with bilateral psoas abscesses in adults with minimal risk factors is not commonly recognized in industrialized countries. METHODS: There are 2 adult cases of Pott disease with psoas abscesses presented, and the relevant literature is reviewed. Plain spine radiographs, spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), routine bacterial and acid-fast bacilli cultures of infected material, and other diagnostic testing for M. tuberculosis were performed. RESULTS: Plain radiographs and MRI of the spine showed vertebral osteomyelitis with compression fractures, and MRI also revealed bilateral psoas abscesses. Acid-fast bacilli culture and other M. tuberculosis diagnostic testing of psoas abscess specimens confirmed the diagnosis of M. tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Although spinal osteomyelitis with psoas abscess is classically associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection, Pott disease should be considered in this clinical setting, and risk factor assessment and testing for tuberculosis should be performed.
Marroni, M., M. Tinca, et al. (2006). "Nosocomial spondylodiskitis with epidural abscess and CSF fistula cured with quinupristin/dalfopristin and linezolid." Infez Med 14(2): 99-101.
Nosocomial infections after spinal surgery are relatively uncommon but potentially serious. The goal of diagnostic evaluation is to determine the extent of infection and identify the microorganism involved. Neuroimaging provides accurate information on correct topography, localization and propagation of the infection. Microbiological data are able to give aetiological causes. In this patient with severe, chronic polymicrobial spine infection with epidural abscess and CSF fistula due to multidrug-resistant organisms, the cure was achieved with long-term antimicrobial specific therapy with quinupristin-dalfopristin (50 days) and linezolid (100 days) with mild side effects. This positive result was due to combined medical and surgical treatment.
Martinez, J., P. J. Jaro, et al. (2007). "Carcass condemnation causes of growth retarded pigs at slaughter." Vet J 174(1): 160-4.
Condemnation causes of growth retarded pigs were studied in a Spanish abattoir. A total of 513 carcasses out of 6017 (8.5%) were rejected during inspection. The main reasons for condemnation were abscesses, cachexia, catarrhal bronchopneumonia, vertebral osteomyelitis, arthritis, pleuritis, peritonitis and pleuropneumonia. Positive relationships were found between tail lesions and arthritis (OR=5.23) or vertebral osteomyelitis (OR=24.81), while no relationships were found between tail lesions and abscesses. Lower risks were observed among carcasses condemned for cachexia, and were as follows: abscesses (OR=0.18), arthritis (OR=0.32), vertebral osteomyelitis (OR=0.06). Arcanobacterium pyogenes, either alone or in combination with other agents, was the main bacterial species isolated from abscesses, osteomyelitis and arthritis (73.5% of lesions). Direct economical losses associated with condemnation were calculated to be 30,000 Euro.
Marty, F. M., W. W. Yeh, et al. (2006). "Emergence of a clinical daptomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolate during treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and osteomyelitis." J Clin Microbiol 44(2): 595-7.
The emergence of a clinically daptomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolate occurred during treatment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia and probable vertebral osteomyelitis. The breakthrough isolate was indistinguishable from pretreatment daptomycin-susceptible isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Daptomycin nonsusceptibility was confirmed by MIC and time-kill curve analyses.
Matsushita, K., H. Shimizu, et al. (2006). "[Bone and joint infection]." Nippon Rinsho 64(9): 1738-43.
Older adults are at risk for the immune dysfunction associated with advanced age, which contribute to their increased risk of infection. Hematogenous osteomyelitis occurs not only in children, but also in older adults. Iatrogenic septic arthritis can be occured after the intraarticular injection for the osteoarthritis in aging society. Tuberculous spondylitis occurs in older adults and the differential diagnosis with pyogenic spondylitis and vertebral metastasis is important.
Mulleman, D., P. Philippe, et al. (2006). "Streptococcal and enterococcal spondylodiscitis (vertebral osteomyelitis). High incidence of infective endocarditis in 50 cases." J Rheumatol 33(1): 91-7.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical, biological, and imaging features and outcomes of patients with streptococcal and enterococcal spondylodiscitis (SESD). METHODS: This retrospective study of patients with SESD was carried out in 2 departments of rheumatology from 1990 through 2002. Comparison was made with cases of staphylococcal spondylodiscitis (SSD) seen during the same period, excluding postoperative cases. RESULTS: Fifty cases of SESD were reviewed and compared with 86 cases of SSD. The main finding was a higher frequency of concomitant infective endocarditis in patients with SESD (11/42 vs 1/37; p = 0.009). Evidence of inflammation, imaging features, and neurological impairment at admission appeared to be less severe in SESD, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Duration of treatment was shorter in SESD than in SSD (105 +/- 26 days vs 130 +/- 49 days; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the high incidence of infective endocarditis (26%) during SESD. Clinicians must look for predisposing factors and clinical abnormalities in patients with spondylodiscitis whenever a streptococcal or enterococcal agent is identified. Echocardiography should be performed as routine in such situations.
Mummaneni, P. V., D. H. Walker, et al. (2006). "Infected vertebroplasty requiring 360 degrees spinal reconstruction: long-term follow-up review. Report of two cases." J Neurosurg Spine 5(1): 86-9.
Transpedicular vertebroplasty has been established as a safe and effective treatment of thoracic and lumbar compression fractures. Complications are rare, and infectious complications requiring surgical management have only been reported once in the literature. The authors present two cases of infectious complications requiring surgical management. They emphasize that systemic infection is a contraindication to the performance of vertebroplasty. The serious nature of these infections, their surgical management, and strategies for avoiding them are discussed.
Nakase, H., R. Matsuda, et al. (2006). "Two-stage management for vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess: technical note." Neurosurgery 58(6): E1219; discussion E1219.
OBJECTIVE: The incidence of spinal infections has increased in recent years, and vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess are issues of great concern for spine surgeons. We retrospectively reviewed our cases treated by two-stage management for vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess. METHODS: The series consisted of nine patients (five men and four women); their ages ranged from 49 to 77 years (mean age, 60.6 yr). Coexisting medical conditions were diabetes mellitus in one case and long-term steroid intake in another. Myelopathy or radicular pain was caused by osteomyelitis and an epidural abscess in all patients. Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar osteomyelitis was detected in three, four, and two patients, respectively; epidural abscess was pyogenic in four patients, tuberculous in three, and unknown in two patients. Our surgical strategy involved anterior debridement or drainage and application of an external orthosis postoperatively during the first stage. After clinical control of the infection by using organism-specific intravenous antibiotics as far as possible, as confirmed by normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein, second stage surgery was performed. This included complete debridement of all necrotic bone and soft tissues, and stable reconstruction with or without instrumentation (six and three patients, respectively). RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful with relief of the symptoms after the second surgery. No evidence of recurrence or residual infection was observed in any patient, as shown by erythrocyte sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein levels during a follow-up period averaging 26.6 months (range, 2-56 mo). CONCLUSION: Without denying the efficacy of the single-stage surgery, two-stage management can be a reasonable alternative for carefully selected patients who have spinal infection.
Nakase, H., Y. S. Park, et al. (2006). "Complications and long-term follow-up results in titanium mesh cage reconstruction after cervical corpectomy." J Spinal Disord Tech 19(5): 353-7.
OBJECTIVE: The incidence of the complications and long-term outcome with a minimum 2-year follow-up of anterior cervical reconstruction using titanium mesh cage is evaluated. Relevant literature was also reviewed to discuss the potential risk factors of the complications of this procedure. METHODS: From 1999 to 2003, 26 patients with cervical spine disorders, (12 patients with OPLL, 7 with cervical spondylosis, 3 with vertebral tumors, 2 with osteomyelitis, and 2 with traumatic lesions) were operated on by this procedure. The series included 14 males and 12 females with a mean age of 60.9 years. Corpectomy was performed on 1 (14 cases), 2 (12 cases). Autologous bone fragments were taken from the excised vertebra. RESULTS: The average improvement rate as scored on the neurosurgical cervical spine scale was 67.4%. The average follow-up period was 54.3 months (range, 24 to 72 months) in 21 who were followed up, and bone union was observed in all cases (22/22 cases) that could be followed up for more than 6 months postoperatively. The average time required for fusion was 6.7 months. Postoperative complications included dyspnea (1 case) and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (2 cases), which was treated by lumbar drainage, without any additional repair operation. No hardware-related complications or adjacent segment degenerative changes were encountered during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: This reconstruction technique yielded good clinical results and helped to avoid complications associated with harvesting bone from the iliac crest donor site. However, risk factors related to the method should be carefully considered.
Nakase, H., R. Tamaki, et al. (2006). "Delayed reconstruction by titanium mesh-bone graft composite in pyogenic spinal infection: a long-term follow-up study." J Spinal Disord Tech 19(1): 48-54.
OBJECTIVE: Use of instrumentation in spinal osteomyelitis remains controversial because of the perceived risk of persistent infection related to a devitalized graft and spinal hardware. Particularly, limited information is available regarding the long-term follow-up of patients. We retrospectively reviewed the use of titanium mesh-bone graft composite after corpectomy in pyogenic spinal infection with a minimum 3-year follow-up outcome. METHODS: Four patients, two men and two women, with cervical and thoracic myelopathy caused by cervical (two cases) and thoracic (two cases) osteomyelitis and epidural abscess, were treated. Their age ranged from 49 to 74 years (mean age 58 years). In one case, the coexisting medical condition was diabetes. Neurologic deficits caused by direct spinal cord compression due to epidural abscess, segmental deformity, and instability were observed in all cases. After infection was clinically controlled by intravenous antibiotics, anterior debridement and fusion using titanium mesh cage along with anterior plate were performed. Two-stage treatment was performed in two cases. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful; all patients experienced relief of symptoms. No evidence of recurrence or residual infection was observed in any patient during the average follow-up period of 42-56 months (average 49.0 months). CONCLUSIONS: Once infection is clinically controlled, a titanium mesh-bone graft composite and plate in combination with aggressive debridement might provide an effective therapy for spinal osteomyelitis requiring surgery. Despite studying a small number of patients, we can conclude that titanium mesh reconstruction can be useful as a surgical method in selected low-risk patients with vertebral osteomyelitis.
Nasir, N., K. Aquilina, et al. (2006). "Garre's chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the sacrum: a rare condition mimicking malignancy." Br J Neurosurg 20(6): 415-9.
Garre's chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (DSOM) is a rare disease that occurs most commonly in the mandible. We present a case of sacral DSOM that simulated an expanding destructive sacral tumour. Treatment was conducted on the basis of the available experience with the mandibular form of the disease, with partial symptomatic relief, but progressive sclerosis of the sacral lesion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case initially presenting in the sacrum. As an osteolytic expanding lesion simulating malignancy, it is important to recognize this entity in the sacrum.
Offiah, A. C. (2006). "Acute osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and discitis: differences between neonates and older children." Eur J Radiol 60(2): 221-32.
There are aetiological, clinical, radiological and therapeutic differences between musculoskeletal infection in the neonate (and infant) and in older children and adults. Due to the anatomy and blood supply in neonates, osteomyelitis often co-exists with septic arthritis. Discitis is more common in infants whereas vertebral body infection is more common in adults. This review article discusses the important clinical and radiological differences that in the past have led many authors to consider neonatal osteomyelitis a separate entity from osteomyelitis in the older child.
Ohji, G., M. Nagata, et al. (2006). "[Group B streptococcal vertebral osteomyelitis following superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis]." Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 43(5): 635-8.
An 80-year-old woman with type II diabetes mellitus was admitted to hospital with high-grade fever and leg pain for the previous three days. Physical examination revealed marked distention of the peripheral veins in both lower legs and she complained of pain. Spontaneous superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis was diagnosed and transfusion of cefazolin every 8 hours was started immediately after blood cultures. After 48 hours, the distention of the peripheral veins was improved; however, she suffered from a severe back pain thereafter. Two sets of blood culture yielded Group B streptococcus. Therefore the antibiotic was changed to ampicillin every 6 hours. To investigate the cause of back pain, MRI of the lumbar vertebral body was taken. Saggital gadolinium T1-weighted MRI demonstrated a high signal intensity lesion from Th7 to Th11, suggesting vertebral osteomyelitis following Group B streptococcal bacteremia from superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis. One week later, the clinical symptoms mostly disappeared. After six weeks of treatment, she was discharged. Suppurative thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of the vein wall by microorganisms and sometimes causes secondary metastatic abscess. Aging and diabetes are also risk factors for group B streptococcal invasive infection. This case suggests vertebral osteomyelitis should be taken into consideration during the course of group B streptococcal bacteremia in an elderly patient complaining back pain.
Pappou, I. P., E. C. Papadopoulos, et al. (2006). "Postoperative infections in interbody fusion for degenerative spinal disease." Clin Orthop Relat Res 444: 120-8.
Scant literature exists on the treatment of infection after interbody fusion. Some authors advocate removal of the interbody grafts. Salvage of the grafts was possible in 92.3% (12 of 13) of the infections in a series of 326 consecutive patients with degenerative spinal diseases treated by three surgeons. Posterior interbody fusion and posterolateral instrumented fusion was performed in 267 patients and anterior interbody fusion was done in 59 patients. Eight infections in the first group (3%) and six in the second group (10.1%) were identified. Mean followup was 18 months (range, 12-38 months). All infections were early, presenting at a mean of 18 days (range, 11-28 months). All but one infection were in the posterior wound and deep. A high number of risk factors were present in these patients. Initial treatment included wound debridement and broad spectrum antibiotics, until culture results indicated the final antibiotic regimen. Infection recurred as osteomyelitis in one patient with multiple previous surgeries and anterior/posterior fusion. This was treated with removal of the posterior instrumentation and the interbody graft and extensive anterior/posterior reconstruction. Clinical outcomes were good in 10 patients, fair in two and poor in one using the Stauffer-Coventry scale. One pseudarthrosis was identified in a patient with anterior interbody fusion at final followup. Salvage of the interbody graft and retaining the instrumentation was safe in most cases in the presented series and did not adversely affect outcome. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, level IV (case series). Please see the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Perry, S. and J. G. Gearhart (2006). "What's wrong with this picture?" J Miss State Med Assoc 47(12): 358-62.
Prandini, N., E. Lazzeri, et al. (2006). "Nuclear medicine imaging of bone infections." Nucl Med Commun 27(8): 633-44.
The inflammation and infection of bone include a wide range of processes that can result in a reduction of function or in the complete inability of patients. Apart from the inflammation, infection is sustained by pyogenic microorganisms and results mostly in massive destruction of bones and joints. The treatment of osteomyelitis requires long and expensive medical therapies and, sometimes, surgical resection for debridement of necrotic bone or to consolidate or substitute the compromised bones and joints. Radiographs and bone cultures are the mainstays for the diagnosis but often are useless in the diagnosis of activity or relapse of infection in the lengthy management of these patients. Imaging with radiopharmaceuticals, computed tomography and magnetic resonance are also used to study secondary and chronic infections and their diffusion to soft or deep tissues. The diagnosis is quite easy in acute osteomyelitis of long bones when the structure of bone is still intact. But most cases of osteomyelitis are subacute or chronic at the onset or become chronic during their evolution because of the frequent resistance to antibiotics. In chronic osteomyelitis the structure of bones is altered by fractures, surgical interventions and as a result of bone reabsorption produced by the infection. Metallic implants and prostheses produce artefacts both in computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, and radionuclide studies should be essential in these cases. Vertebral osteomyelitis is a specific entity that can be correctly diagnosed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at the onset of symptoms but only with radionuclide imaging is it possible to assess the activity of the disease after surgical stabilization or medical therapy. The lack of comparative studies showing the accuracy of each radiopharmaceutical for the study of bone infection does not allow the best nuclear medicine techniques to be chosen in an evidence-based manner. To this end we performed a meta-analysis of peer reviewed articles published between 1984 and 2004 describing the use of nuclear medicine imaging for the study of the most frequent causes of bone infections, including prosthetic joint, peripheric post-traumatic bone infections, vertebral and sternal infections. Guidelines for the choice of the optimal radiopharmaceuticals to be used in each clinical condition and for different aims is provided.
Ramos Martinez, A., A. Duca, et al. (2006). "[Osteomyelitis due to Escherichia coli complicating a closed humeral fracture]." An Med Interna 23(12): 588-90.
Patients with indwelling urethral catheters have an important risk of developing Escherichia coli bacteremia. Several cases of hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis due to E. coli after diagnostic or therapeutic urinary tract procedures have been reported. An 88-years-old male patient with indwelling urethral catheter was admitted because of a closed subcapital humeral fracture and macroscopic hematuria due to bladder carcinoma. During his hospital admission he was treated with bladder irrigations with glycine solution. Also a cystoscopy was done. On 8th day after admission the size of his left shoulder increased. Free air in the proximity of the humeral fracture was observed at X-ray radiography and at CT scan.The patient was operated and an abscess close to the fracture with malodorous pus was drained. A culture of pus yielded E. coli. In order to prevent infections similar cases, use of indwelling urethral catheters should be strictly limited to patients that do not have any other option.
Ray, A., R. V. Iyer, et al. (2006). "Cerebral abscess as a delayed complication of halo fixation." Acta Neurochir (Wien) 148(9): 1015-6.
Riaz, S. and R. Fox (2006). "Images in spine surgery: vertebral osteomyelitis." J Pak Med Assoc 56(11): 567-8.
Sia, I. G. and E. F. Berbari (2006). "Infection and musculoskeletal conditions: Osteomyelitis." Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 20(6): 1065-81.
Osteomyelitis can result from hematogenous or contiguous microbial seeding of the bone. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common infecting microorganism. Although any bone can potentially develop osteomyelitis, long-bone, vertebral, and foot osteomyelitis account for the majority of cases. Confirmatory diagnosis of osteomyelitis often depends on the results of a bone biopsy and bone cultures. Radiologic and laboratory studies are often helpful in leading to the diagnosis, determining the extent of the disease, and following up selected patients with osteomyelitis. Optimal therapy for osteomyelitis requires the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of physicians. Debridement is often needed in contiguous osteomyelitis, whereas acute hematogenous and vertebral osteomyelitis can often be treated with a prolonged course of antimicrobial therapy.
Singh, G., R. R. Shetty, et al. (2006). "Cervical osteomyelitis associated with intravenous drug use." Emerg Med J 23(2): e16.
Singh, K., D. Samartzis, et al. (2006). "Unusual presentation of a paraspinal mass with involvement of a lumbar facet joint and the epidural space." Orthopedics 29(3): 265-7.
Skaf, G. S., A. S. Sabbagh, et al. (2007). "The advantages of submandibular gland resection in anterior retropharyngeal approach to the upper cervical spine." Eur Spine J 16(4): 469-77.
Anterior surgery to the upper cervical spine, although rare, several successful approaches were described in the literature. To avoid the risks and limitations of transoral approach, the anterior retropharyngeal approach was developed. In this study, we describe our experience with anterior retropharyngeal approach to the upper cervical spine and discuss the significance of resecting the submandibular gland. From July 2001 to July 2004, we performed six anterior prevascular retropharyngeal approaches to the upper cervical spine. The series included five males and one female, ranging in age from 26 to 60 years (mean = 46). All six patients were intubated with nasotracheal cannula. The submandibular gland was mobilized and removed in all patients allowing adequate exposure of the arch of C1, C2, and C3 vertebral bodies. The anterior retropharyngeal approach permitted an adequate access to anteriorly situated lesions from C1 to C3 in all six patients, without the risks and limitations of transmucosal surgery. This approach allowed us to perform decompression of the spinal cord and reconstruction of the anterior column of the spine with bone graft and internal fixation. Careful removal of the submandibular gland provided better visualization of the arch of C1 and C2. No facial nerve palsy was seen in any of the six patients. Anterior retropharyngeal approach to the upper cervical spine combined with removal of the submandibular gland permits exposure of the anterior spine similar to that obtained by the transmucosal route, and provides a safe simultaneous arthrodesis and instrumentation during the primary surgical procedure without the potential contamination of the oropharyngeal cavity. Removal of the submandibular gland allows better exposure with less retraction and thus avoids severe injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve.
Solis Garcia del Pozo, J., M. Vives Soto, et al. (2007). "Vertebral osteomyelitis: long-term disability assessment and prognostic factors." J Infect 54(2): 129-34.
In the present study, we quantified the long-term sequelae of a series of patients diagnosed with vertebral osteomyelitis during the period 1990-2002 in Albacete (Spain), using two validated questionnaires of spinal dysfunction and also one pain and one global health assessment. It was possible to interview 69 (78%) patients diagnosed with vertebral osteomyelitis, and an additional 90 "normal" people were recruited as controls to establish normal values. We also carried out a multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors. We found only a 33% rate of spinal disability, only 3% severe, assessed by the Oswestry and HAQ for ankylosing spondylitis questionnaires, a median of 5.4 years after treatment. Pain and global health assessment did not correlate with spinal function questionnaires. Independent predictors of long-term disability were the followings: neurological impairment at the time of diagnosis (RR=7.1, 95% CI 1.3-10.2), time to diagnosis > or = 8 weeks (RR=4.4, 95% CI 1.5-7.9) and debilitating disease (RR=3.9, 95% CI 1.2-7.5). Standardized spinal function questionnaires are useful measures to assess long-term outcome of vertebral osteomyelitis that facilitates comparison between case series and identification of risk factors.
Stevens, Q. E., J. M. Seibly, et al. (2007). "Reactivation of dormant lumbar methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis after 12 years." J Clin Neurosci 14(6): 585-9.
The adequate treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis has intrigued clinicians for some time. As the resistance of these pathogens, coupled with the increase in community-acquired cases, continues steadily to rise, clinicians are finding it useful to employ multi-modal approaches for efficacious treatment. The authors present a single case report of a patient with recurrent MRSA osteomyelitis, lumbar paraspinal and epidural abscess. He was found to have decreased muscle strength and was hyporeflexic in the involved extremity. Serum testing demonstrated MRSA bacteremia. Neuroimaging studies revealed evidence of paraspinal abscess and a presumed herniated nucleus pulposus at the L5/S1 interspace with significant nerve root compromise. Despite antimicrobials, his symptoms persisted, necessitating surgical exploration. At surgery, paraspinal and epidural abscesses were encountered and debrided; however, no herniated disc was visualized. This case demonstrates the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas with which these lesions present. We postulate that the MRSA osteomyelitis/discitis pathogens were walled off in the disc space and subsequently inoculated the soft tissues with ensuing bacteremia. We concur that antimicrobial treatment should be the first line of therapy for these patients; however, surgical debridements and cautious spinal instrumentation should be employed where appropriate.
Swanson, A. N., I. P. Pappou, et al. (2006). "Chronic infections of the spine: surgical indications and treatments." Clin Orthop Relat Res 444: 100-6.
Chronic vertebral osteomyelitis is a disease of substantial morbidity. Although uncommon to most spinal surgeons, the incidence of pyogenic and granulomatous spondylitis worldwide is on the rise. Although antibiotic therapy remains the initial treatment for most patients, surgical debridement with or without stabilization may be required for effective eradication of the disease. Indications for surgery in pyogenic and granulomatous osteomyelitis include the need to obtain a bacteriologic diagnosis when other methods have failed, the presence of a clinically significant abscess, an infection refractory to prolonged nonoperative treatment, cord compression with considerable neurologic deficit, and substantial deformity or spinal instability. Currently, controversy remains regarding the timing of surgery, the approach used, and the use of instrumentation. We reviewed the contemporary literature available through the Medline database, focusing on larger case series and, when existing, prospective randomized trials. The rationale for surgical treatment of the most common pathogens (eg, Mycobacterium tuberculae and Staphylococcus aureus) is reviewed. Commonly, anterior debridement with or without posterior instrumentation is used for cases of advanced disease, but more limited approaches may have a role in less severe cases or patients unable to tolerate extensive surgery. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, level III (systematic review of level III studies). Please see the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Takahashi, Y., K. Narusawa, et al. (2006). "Fatal pulmonary fat embolism after posterior spinal fusion surgery." J Orthop Sci 11(2): 217-20.
Taylor, G. B., R. D. Moore, et al. (2006). "Osteomyelitis secondary to sacral colpopexy mesh erosion requiring laminectomy." Obstet Gynecol 107(2 Pt 2): 475-7.
BACKGROUND: Severe infectious morbidity associated with the use of synthetic mesh and abdominal sacral colpopexy is rare. Pelvic abscess, sinus tract formation, enterovaginal fistula, and osteomyelitis have been reported. CASE: This case involves a patient who presented with staphylococcal bacteremia and vaginal erosion of a sacral colpopexy synthetic mesh. Despite prolonged courses of intravenous antibiotics and complete removal of the mesh material, she developed osteomyelitis. Progressive neurologic symptoms required a decompression laminectomy to facilitate a complete recovery and resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of abdominal sacral colpopexy mesh erosion, we recommend maintaining a high index of suspicion for secondary infections.
Taylor, W. E., B. G. Wolff, et al. (2006). "Sacral osteomyelitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: report of four cases." Dis Colon Rectum 49(6): 913-8.
PURPOSE: This study describes an institutional experience with sacral osteomyelitis after proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: A total of 2,375 patients underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at the Mayo Clinic between January 1981 and January 2002. In addition, we have served as a tertiary referral base for patients with complications after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed at other institutions. Review of our ileal pouch-anal anastomosis prospective database and directed search of the central pathology, microbiology, radiology, and surgical records at the Mayo Clinic was performed using these keywords: osteomyelitis, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. RESULTS: Two of 2,375 patients (0.08 percent) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed at our institution have had sacral osteomyelitis. In addition, two patients have been referred for continuing care after construction of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diagnosis of sacral osteomyelitis at another institution. Two of the four patients maintained normal pouch function after sacral debridement and a period of fecal stream diversion. One patient remains diverted with resolved sacral osteomyelitis after debridement. The last patient died from squamous-cell cancer involving the sacrum. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral osteomyelitis is a rare and heretofore unreported complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Conservative measures using antibiotics alone proved unsuccessful, and delaying definitive management may have contributed to the degeneration of a chronic sacral abscess into squamous-cell cancer. With more aggressive treatment comprising sacral debridement, long-term antibiotics, and fecal diversion, pouch function can potentially be preserved.
Torres-Najera, M., S. de la Garza-Galvan, et al. (2006). "[Osteoarticular coccidioidomicosis. Clinical and pathological study of 36 Mexican patients]." Rev Invest Clin 58(3): 211-6.
Coccidioidomycosis (CM) is primarily a lung disease. Systemic spread occurs in 1% of cases and one of its manifestation is osteoarthritis. AIM: To describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of 36 patients with osteoarthritis by Coccidioides immitis (COA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The surgical pathology records of two medical institutions were reviewed; patients with clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis and definitive histopathological diagnosis of COA were included in the study. Results were analyzed by contingence tables (RXC) and chi2 test. RESULTS: Twenty six adults (19 men, seven women) and 10 children (seven males, three females) were studied. The chi2 analysis demonstrated a predominance of disease in men (72.2%, p = 0.008). There was no difference between males and females in relation to history of mycotic disease or diagnosis of lung disease after the diagnosis of COA. Bone involvement (76% of cases) was more frequent that pure joint lesions and the predominant radiological lesion was of lytic type. 30.5% of patients (11 cases) had multiple bone lesions and eight of them were men with multiple vertebral bone lesions. DISCUSSION: The COA was the only manifestation of disease in 83% of the patients. Therefore is important to consider this etiology in patients of endemic area. The clinical and radiological spectrum of COA is wide and may include a dentigerous and synovial cyst or simulates metastatic disease. The recognition of the clinical manifestations of COA may contribute to an opportune diagnosis and treatment.
Tsai, C. W., J. T. Wang, et al. (2006). "Disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection in an HIV-negative patient presenting with mimicking multiple bone metastases." Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 54(3): 211-6.
We report a patient with disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection, but with no underlying disease, presenting with mimicking multiple bone metastases with cancer of unknown primary site. Disseminated M. kansasii infection is rare in HIV-negative patients without underlying diseases. This patient had disseminated M. kansasii infection manifested with vertebral osteomyelitis, sacroiliitis, psoas abscess, bone marrow granuloma, liver granuloma, and possible spleen abscesses. The clinical manifestations are described and discussed in details.
Vermeulen, M. J., G. J. Rutten, et al. (2006). "Transient paresis associated with cat-scratch disease: case report and literature review of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Bartonella henselae." Pediatr Infect Dis J 25(12): 1177-81.
Cat-scratch disease (CSD) rarely presents as vertebral osteomyelitis. We describe a case with paresis of the arm with total recovery after antibiotic and neurosurgical therapy. We reviewed 20 other cases of CSD vertebral osteomyelitis in the literature. This diagnosis should be considered in patients with systemic symptoms, back pain, and cat contact. The prognosis is generally good.
Vishnevskii, A. A., A. B. Orlov, et al. (2006). "[Decision on the immunomodulating therapy in unspecific osteomyelitis of the spine]." Vestn Khir Im I I Grek 165(2): 32-6.
Immunomodulating therapy was used in treatment of 54 patients with unspecific osteomyelitis of the spine (UOS). The age of the patients was from 15 through 76 years. The authors consider that immunocorrection should be included in the complex of obligatory measures of treatment of patients with purulent infections of the spine and is dependent on the type of immunological impairments. For its success it is necessary to determine the type and degree of immunity impairment. Since in most cases of UOS there is a disorder in the T-cell link of immunity, it is preferable to use cytomedins (T-activin, thymalin, thymogen etc) or cytokines (e.g. roncoleukin). In cases of an insufficient B-cell link the medicines of choice are licopid and myelopid.
Vukelic, D., B. Benic, et al. (2006). "An unusual outcome in a child with hepatosplenic cat-scratch disease." Wien Klin Wochenschr 118(19-20): 615-8.
Typical cat-scratch disease (Bartonella henselae infection) in an immunocompetent child is usually associated with a history of scratch, bite or intimate contact with a cat. Most patients develop a non-tender papule in the scratch line after three to ten days. This may persist for only a few days or as long as two to three weeks. During the next two weeks or more, regional lymph nodes that drain the area gradually enlarge and then slowly resolve in more than 10% of patients. The nodes develop overlying erythema and may suppurate. Atypical forms of cat-scratch disease occur in a minority of cases and are characterized by ocular or neurological manifestations, hepatosplenic involvement, vertebral osteomyelitis, endocarditis etc. Immunocompromised individuals with B. henselae infection may develop bacillary angiomatosis, bacillary peliosis, and relapsing bacteremia. There have been several reports of hepatosplenic granulomas caused by B. henselae in immunocompetent children. We report a case of a 6-year-old boy with the hepatosplenic form of cat-scratch disease. Despite early diagnosis and long-term antimicrobial treatment, splenectomy could not be avoided.
Walls, T., J. Bate, et al. (2006). "Vertebral collapse in an 8-year-old girl." J Paediatr Child Health 42(4): 212-4.
We present a case of an 8-year-old girl with collapse of her T6 and T7 vertebrae secondary to chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. She presented with chronic abdominal pain and was found to have multiple bony lesions involving her spine, clavicle and mandible. Extensive investigations, including tissue biopsy, were unable to identify an infective cause and there was no response to a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics. She made a good response to regular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Walters, R., B. Vernon-Roberts, et al. (2006). "Therapeutic use of cephazolin to prevent complications of spine surgery." Inflammopharmacology 14(3-4): 138-43.
Discitis, caused by pyogenic organisms, is a potential complication of any procedure which involves entering the intervertebral disc during open or percutaneous procedures. While there are wide variations in the severity of symptoms, the characteristic feature of discitis is the development of increasingly severe back pain, which is not relieved by rest, or narcotic analgesics. While there is a tendency to spontaneous resolution over time, a self-limiting course does not always eventuate. Serious complications resulting from spread of the infective process can lead to vertebral osteomyelitis or to the formation of an epidural abscess with further risk of neural compression. Clinical and experimental evidence now supports the prophylactic use of a suitable antibiotic, but some uncertainties exist about the benefits of antibiotic therapy in treating established discitis. While cephazolin is a widely favoured choice of antibiotic, the timing of its administration to prevent or treat discitis has been complicated by the lack of suitable methods for detecting and measuring the concentration of cephazolin in the plasma and disc in experimental and clinical conditions. This paper describes a high-performance liquid chromatography technique for detecting the antibiotic cephazolin. The results conclude cephazolin can be detected in the plasma and disc after administering an intravenous bolus dose. However, concentration of cephazolin in the outer disc was 12 times greater than that of the inner disc.
Wilden, J. A., S. L. Moran, et al. (2006). "Results of vascularized rib grafts in complex spinal reconstruction." J Bone Joint Surg Am 88(4): 832-9.
BACKGROUND: The application of vascularized rib grafts in spine surgery has been limited to the treatment of kyphosis with anterior placement of the rib graft to facilitate anterior spine arthrodesis. The outcomes following use of vascularized rib grafts in complex spinal reconstruction have not been adequately evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the results, including the time to osseous union and complications, following anterior or posterior placement of pedicled vascularized rib grafts for complex spinal reconstruction. METHODS: The medical records and images of all patients in whom a vascularized rib graft had been used for a multisegmental spine reconstruction at a single institution between 1994 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Eighteen patients (mean age, 45.3 years) who had been followed for an average of 31.8 months were identified. Details regarding indications, the levels that were spanned, the graft length, the time to union, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The preoperative diagnoses included metastatic or primary tumor (thirteen patients) and progressive kyphosis secondary to chronic osteomyelitis (two), injury (one), congenital anomalies (one), or implant failure (one). On the average, 4.4 levels were fused and 1.9 vertebral bodies were excised. All eighteen arthrodeses included various forms of allograft and/or autograft material, and instrumentation was used, in addition to the vascularized rib graft, in twelve patients. The mean rib length was 16.1 cm, and a rib between the fifth and eleventh ribs, inclusive, was used, depending on the location of the spinal reconstruction. The average time to union was 6.8 months, and all rib grafts united. There were no complications specific to the rib-harvesting procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a vascularized rib graft in complex spinal reconstruction adds little time to the overall procedure, is associated with low morbidity, and appears to offer substantial benefits to the patient.
Willenborg, K. M., T. Stover, et al. (2007). "[Parapharyngeal abscess and osteomyelitic destruction of the odontoid process]." Laryngorhinootologie 86(2): 128-30.
We report the case of a 55 year old man with osteomyelitic destruction of the odontoid process and a parapharyngeal abscess. The patient was admitted with diagnosis of meningitis and degenerative cervical spine disease without compression of spinal cord or nerve roots but progressive impairment of cervical spine mobility. Inflammatory parameters in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were detected and antibiotic therapy was initiated resulting in subjective improvement of symptoms. When impairment of cervical spine motility persisted and gait disturbance developed, a parapharyngeal abscess and an osteomyelitic destruction of the odontoid process caused by infection with staphylococcus aureus was diagnosed. After cleavage of the abscess and four months of antibiotic therapy the gait disturbance disappeared and mild impairment of cervical spine motility persisted.
Win, Z., E. O'Flynn, et al. (2006). "F-18 FDG PET in the diagnosis and monitoring of salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis: a comparison with MRI." Clin Nucl Med 31(7): 437-40.
Winters, M. E., P. Kluetz, et al. (2006). "Back pain emergencies." Med Clin North Am 90(3): 505-23.
Most adults in the United States will experience an episode of back pain at some point during their lifetime. Most will present to their primary care physician for evaluation and treatment. Many patients have non-life-threatening etiologies and recover within 4 to 6 weeks. A small percentage, however, have back pain due to a potentially life-threatening emergency. AD,rupturing AAA, SEM, cauda equina syndrome, vertebral osteomyelitis,and SEA are just some of the medical emergencies that can present with back pain. Clinical suspicion for these diagnoses begins with a thorough history and physical examination. It is imperative that the office-based physician search for and accurately identify any red flag within the history or physical examination. Appropriate laboratory studies and diagnostic imaging are obtained based on the suspected etiology.
Woo, S. B., L. C. Cheng, et al. (2006). "Mycotic aortic aneurysm following treatment of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis." Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 14(5): e102-5.
Mycotic aortic aneurysm is a surgical emergency. However, its bizarre presentations could delay the golden hour of surgical reconstruction which is the mainstay of treatment. We report a case of mycotic aneurysm of the aortic arch which developed in the postoperative period after surgical treatment of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis at the lower thoracic level.
Yang, S. C., T. S. Fu, et al. (2007). "Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy and drainage for infectious spondylitis." Int Orthop 31(3): 367-73.
Fifteen patients with infectious spondylitis were treated by percutaneous endoscopic discectomy and drainage (PEDD) and associated appropriate parenteral antibiotics. Infectious spondylitis was diagnosed clinically, on the basis of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values, and on roentgenographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Causative bacteria were identified in 13 (86.7%) of 15 biopsy specimens. Systemic antibiotics were administered according to sensitivity analyses of pathogens. All patients reported immediate back pain relief except for two, who required anterior debridement and fusion one week and two weeks later, respectively. Two other patients with recurrent infection and intractable pain underwent surgical intervention at one month and eight months after PEDD, respectively. The remaining 11 patients recovered uneventfully after full-course, specific, antimicrobial therapy. No surgery related complications or side effects were observed during at least 12 months of follow-up. In conclusion, PEDD can provide retrieval of sufficient specimens and has high diagnostic efficacy, thereby enabling prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy to the offending pathogens. It can be considered an effective alternative for treating uncomplicated spondylitis.
Zarrouk, V., A. Feydy, et al. (2007). "Imaging does not predict the clinical outcome of bacterial vertebral osteomyelitis." Rheumatology (Oxford) 46(2): 292-5.
OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are useful for initial assessment of bacterial spondylodiscitis. However, clinical relevance of imaging changes during treatment is less well-documented. METHODS: Between October 1997 and March 2005, 29 patients with documented bacterial spondylodiscitis were prospectively enrolled. They had clinical, biological and imaging examinations (MRI and/or CT) at M0 and M3, and in 22 cases, at M6. RESULTS: Mean age was 58 yrs. Antimicrobial chemotherapy lasted an average of 98 days. The median follow-up was 18 months, including 12 months after the completion of treatment. Infection was cured in every patient. Biological markers of inflammation returned to normal at M3. Six patients had painful and/or neurological sequelae. Decreased disc height was a consistent and early sign, and remained stable during the follow-up. Vertebral oedema, present in 100% of cases initially, persisted in 67 and 15% of cases at M3 and M6, respectively. Discal abscesses and paravertebral abscesses, present in 65 and 39% of cases initially, persisted in, respectively, 42 and 9% of cases at M3 and in 18 and 3% of cases at M6. Epidural abscesses were present at diagnosis in 30% of cases, and had always disappeared by M3. Imaging abnormalities found at M0 and M3 did not differ between patients with and without late neurological or painful sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging abnormalities often persist in patients with bacterial spondylodiscitis despite a favourable clinical and biological response to antibiotic treatment. They are not associated with relapses, neurological sequelae or persistent pain. Imaging controls are not necessary when bacterial spondylodiscitis responds favourably to treatment.
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