The surgical treatment of pyogenic spondylitis using posterior instrumentation without anterior debridement

Pedicle screw insertion into infected vertebrae reduces operative time and range of fixation in minimally invasive posterior fixation for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive posterior fixation surgery for pyogenic spondylitis is known to reduce invasiveness and complication rates; however, the outcomes of concomitant insertion of pedicle screws (PS) into the infected vertebrae via the posterior approach are undetermined. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of PS insertion into infected vertebrae in minimally invasive posterior fixation for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 70 patients undergoing minimally invasive posterior fixation for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis across nine institutions. Patients were categorized into insertion and skip groups based on PS insertion into infected vertebrae, and surgical data and postoperative outcomes, particularly unplanned reoperations due to complications, were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 70 patients was 72.8 years. The insertion group (n = 36) had shorter operative times (146 versus 195 min, p = 0.032) and a reduced range of fixation (5.4 versus 6.9 vertebrae, p = 0.0009) compared to the skip group (n = 34). Unplanned reoperations occurred in 24% (n = 17) due to surgical site infections (SSI) or implant failure; the incidence was comparable between the groups. Poor infection control necessitating additional anterior surgery was reported in four patients in the skip group.

CONCLUSIONS

PS insertion into infected vertebrae during minimally invasive posterior fixation reduces the operative time and range of fixation without increasing the occurrence of unplanned reoperations due to SSI or implant failure. Judicious PS insertion in patients with minimal bone destruction in thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis can minimize surgical invasiveness.

Recurrence rate after posterior percutaneous screw fixation without anterior debridement for pyogenic spondylitis compared with conservative treatment: a propensity score-matched analysis

PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown that percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) posterior fixation without anterior debridement for pyogenic spondylitis can improve patient quality of life compared with conservative treatment. However, data on the risk of recurrence after PPS posterior fixation compared with conservative treatment is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the recurrence rate of pyogenic spondylitis after PPS posterior fixation without anterior debridement and conservative treatment.

METHODS

The study was conducted under a retrospective cohort design in patients hospitalized for pyogenic spondylitis between January 2016 and December 2020 at 10 affiliated institutions. We used propensity score matching to adjust for confounding factors, including patient demographics, radiographic findings, and isolated microorganisms. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for recurrence of pyogenic spondylitis during the follow-up period in the matched cohort.

RESULTS

148 patients (41 in the PPS group and 107 in the conservative group) were included. After propensity score matching, 37 patients were retained in each group. PPS posterior fixation without anterior debridement was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence compared with conservative treatment with orthosis (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.18-3.59; P = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

In this multi-center retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized for pyogenic spondylitis, we found no association in the incidence of recurrence between PPS posterior fixation without anterior debridement and conservative treatment.

A Comprehensive Review of Pyogenic Spondylitis Management for Neurosurgeons

Older populations have been increasing recently, resulting in an increase in cases of pyogenic spondylitis. Neurosurgeons who frequently treat the elderly are at a higher risk of encountering this condition. Therefore, this article provides a summary of the literature and our experience to help neurosurgeons effectively manage pyogenic osteomyelitis. It is important not to rule out pyogenic spondylosis when examining a patient with back pain, even in the absence of a fever. This is because the chronic type is common, easily overlooked, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Empirical antibiotics should be avoided in cases where blood culture and biopsy are negative, to prevent microbial resistance and an increase in difficult-to-treat cases. Biopsies, such as computed tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy and full endoscopic debridement and drainage, should be attempted. Currently, 6 weeks of parenteral antibiotic therapy is the main treatment for pyogenic spondylitis. Surgical treatment is recommended if this method is ineffective. However, in the early stages, full endoscopic debridement and drainage and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation are optional.

Treatment of Thoracolumbar Pyogenic Spondylitis with Minimally Invasive Posterior Fixation without Anterior Lesion Debridement or Bone Grafting: A Multicenter Case Study

The usefulness of minimally invasive posterior fixation without debridement and autogenous bone grafting remains unknown. This multicenter case series aimed to determine the clinical outcomes and limitations of this method for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis. Patients with thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis treated with minimally invasive posterior fixation alone were retrospectively evaluated at nine affiliated hospitals since April 2016. The study included 31 patients (23 men and 8 women; mean age, 73.3 years). The clinical course of the patients and requirement of additional anterior surgery constituted the study outcomes. The postoperative numerical rating scale score for lower back pain was significantly smaller than the preoperative score (5.8 vs. 3.6, p = 0.0055). The preoperative local kyphosis angle was 6.7°, which was corrected to 0.1° after surgery and 3.7° at the final follow-up visit. Owing to failed infection control, three patients (9.6%) required additional anterior debridement and autogenous bone grafting. Thus, in this multicenter case series, a large proportion of patients with thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis could be treated with minimally invasive posterior fixation alone, thereby indicating it as a treatment option for pyogenic spondylitis.

Life Expectancy Is Poor in Patients with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis-Related Pyogenic Vertebral Osteomyelitis

Introduction

Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) is an uncommon but life-threatening infectious disease. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is an age-related disorder and sometimes problematic in terms of spinal instability or high mortality, especially in cases of DISH-related fracture. Meanwhile, no reports have focused on the impact of DISH on the clinical outcomes after treatment for PVO. We hypothesized that PVO occurring at DISH-related segments might contribute to poor clinical results or high mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of DISH on mortality after treatment for PVO in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This study involved patients who were hospitalized and treated for PVO at a single institution. DISH-related PVO was defined as PVO within a segment ossified by DISH or PVO at the neighboring intervertebral level of the segment ossified by DISH. Differences in mortality between patients with DISH-related and non-DISH-related PVO were investigated.

Results

This study included 55 patients. DISH-related PVO was observed in 13 patients. The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with DISH-related PVO than in those with non-DISH-related PVO (62% and 23%, respectively; p=0.016). Propensity score-adjusted analysis showed that DISH-related PVO was an independent risk factor for mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.79; p=0.034). The survival probability was significantly shorter in patients with DISH-related PVO than in those with non-DISH-related PVO (p=0.006). PVO in which the intravertebral body was the center of involvement was significantly more common in DISH-related PVO than in non-DISH-related PVO (38% and 5%, respectively; p=0.006).

Conclusions

DISH-related PVO was associated with a higher mortality rate and shorter life expectancy than non-DISH-related PVO. Similar to advanced age, PVO at the segment ossified by DISH should be recognized as a risk factor for mortality when choosing the optimal treatment strategy.

A New Treatment Algorithm That Incorporates Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spines: The Results of Its Clinical Application to a Series of 34 Patients

Background and Objectives: Spinal minimally invasive surgery (MIS) experts at the university hospital worked as a team to develop a new treatment algorithm for pyogenic spondylodiscitis in lumbar and thoracic spines. They modified a flow chart introduced for this condition in a pre-MIS era to incorporate MIS techniques based on their extensive experiences accumulated over the years, both in MIS for degenerative lumbar diseases and in the treatment of spine infections. The MIS procedures incorporated in this algorithm consisted of percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS)–rod fixation and transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). The current study analyzed a series of 34 patients treated with prospective selection of the methods according to this new algorithm. Materials and Methods: The algorithm first divided the patients into those who had escaped complicated disease conditions, such as neurologic impairment, extensive bone destruction, and the need to be mobilized without delay (Group 1) (19), and those with complicated pyogenic spondylodiscitis (Group 2) (15). Group 1 had image-guided needle biopsy followed by conservative treatment alone with antibiotics and a spinal brace (12) (Group 1-A) or a subsequent addition of non-fused PPS–rod fixation (7) (Group 1-B). Group 2 underwent an immediate single-stage MIS with non-fused PPS–rod fixation followed by posterior exposure for decompression and debridement through a small midline incision (12) (Group 2-A) or an additional LLIF procedure after an interval of 3 weeks (3) (Group 2-B). Results: All patients, except four, who either died from causes unrelated to the spondylodiscitis (2) or became lost to follow up (2), were cured of infection with normalized CRP at an average follow up of 606 days (105–1522 days). A solid interbody fusion occurred at the affected vertebrae in 15 patients (50%). Of the patients in Group 2, all but two regained a nearly normal function. Despite concerns about non-fused PPS–rod instrumentation, only seven patients (21%) required implant removal or replacement. Conclusions: Non-fused PPS–rod placements into infection-free vertebrae alone or in combination with posterior debridement through a small incision worked effectively in providing local stabilization without contamination of the metal implant from the infected tissue. MIS LLIF allowed for direct access to the infected focus for bone grafting in cases of extensive vertebral body destruction.

Revision Surgery for Postoperative Spondylodiscitis at Cage Level after Posterior Instrumented Fusion in the Lumbar Spine-Anterior Approach Is Not Absolutely Indicated

Spondylodiscitis at the cage level is rare but remains a challenge for spine surgeons. In this study, the safety and efficacy of revision surgery by a posterior approach to spondylodiscitis developed at the cage level were evaluated, and these data were compared to those of patients treated with revision surgeries using the traditional anterior plus posterior approach for their infections. Twenty-eight patients with postoperative spondylodiscitis underwent revision surgeries to salvage their infections, including 15 patients in the study group (posterior only) and 13 patients in the control group (combined anterior and posterior). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen in both groups. L4-L5 was the most common infection site in both groups. The operation time (229.5 vs. 449.5 min, p < 0.001) and blood loss (427.7 vs. 1106.9 mL, p < 0.001) were the only two data points that were statistically significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, a single posterior approach with ipsilateral or contralateral transforaminal lumbar interbody debridement and fusion plus extending instrumentation was safe and effective for spondylodiscitis developed at the cage level. This strategy can decrease the operation time and blood loss.

Posterior stabilisation without formal debridement for the treatment of non-tuberculous pyogenic spinal infection in frail and debilitated population - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Non-tuberculous pyogenic spinal infection (PSI) incorporates a variety of different clinical conditions. Surgical interventions may be necessary for severe cases where there is evidence of spinal instability or neurological compromise. The primary surgical procedure, for late-stage PSI, focuses on the anterior approach with aggressive debridement of the infected tissue regions. An alternative treatment method that employs a posterior approach without any formal debridement, is seen as controversial. To the best of our knowledge, few case series and no systematic reviews are assessing the value of this posterior technique. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the posterior approach without formal debridement and the associated clinical outcomes, for PSI cases requiring surgical intervention. Several databases including MEDLINE, NHS Evidence, and the Cochrane database were searched from the date of creation of each database to December 16, 2019. A selection of the keywords used includes: "posterior approach", "debridement" and "discitis". Studies were excluded if they involved the anterior approach, carried out formal debridement, or were tuberculous spinal infection cases. We accepted any study type which included adult patients, with spinal infection at any level of the vertebral column. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to follow standard systematic review structure. The main clinical outcomes evaluated include pain, neurological recovery (Frankel Grading System, FGS) post-operative complications, and functional outcomes (Kirkaldy-Willis Criteria and Spine Tango Combined Outcome Measure Index, COMI). Post-surgical neurological improvement was demonstrated with a mean FGS improvement of 1.12 in 102 patients over the included four articles. Post-operative neurological function was found to be improved at a statistically significant level when a random-effects model was applied, with the effect size found to be at 0.68 (p < 0.001). Pain level was improved significantly postoperatively. There were also enhanced functional outcomes post-intervention when the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria and COMI scores were assessed in certain studies. Within the limit of the available literature, our results showed that the posterior approach with posterior stabilisation without formal debridement can result in successful infection resolution, improved pain scores and neurological outcomes. However, Larger series with longer follow-up duration is strongly recommended.

Adaptation and limitation of anterior column reconstruction for pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine

BACKGROUND

Surgical strategy for pyogenic spondylitis is controversial when vertebral body erosion is severe. Radical debridement and anterior column reconstruction is indicated for the purpose of early ambulatory to prevent secondary complication for long bed rest. However, such aggressive debridement and risk of perioperative complications are trade-off. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factor of poor prognosis after anterior column debridement and reconstruction for pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 40 patients diagnosed with pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine who were introduced to our institution due to losing ambulatory ability and underwent anterior column debridement and reconstruction between January 2008 and May 2016. After the patient population was split into a regaining ambulatory group (Group A; n = 23) and a poor prognosis group (Group P; n = 17), we used Fisher exact tests and t-tests as appropriate for univariate analyses to compare patient characteristics and outcomes between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that the significant variables were massive bleeding (>2000 ml) (P < 0.01), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (P = 0.01), and two-stage surgery needed (P = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with poor prognosis were massive bleeding (Odds Ratio 11.9; 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 119.7; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Massive bleeding was associated with poor prognosis after debridement followed by anterior column reconstruction for pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine.

An Uncommon Case of Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis Caused by Gemella morbillorum

An 81-year-old man presented with severe back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging detected L5/S discitis without signs of epidural abscess. Punctures of the disc revealed that the causative organism was Gemella morbillorum (G. morbillorum), which is part of the normal flora of the oral cavity and an uncommon causative pathogen of spondylodiscitis. The E-test method was useful for rapid susceptibility testing. Intravenous penicillin G treatment was effective, and the patient recovered without surgery.

Pyogenic Vertebral Osteomyelitis: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) may result in neurological deficits and sequelae, so early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical. Many previous studies on PVO exist, but our paper has aimed to comprehensively summarize the clinical aspects of PVO. Through review of the vast literature on the clinical research of PVO an overview of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis is provided.

Posterior Only Approach for Lumbar Pyogenic Spondylitis With Short Instrumentation and Prolonged Suction Drainage

STUDY DESIGN

A single-institution, single-surgeon retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of posterior only approach with short instrumentation and prolonged suction drainage in managing lumbar pyogenic spondylitis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Several methods of posterior surgical treatment for pyogenic spondylitis have been reported, there have been few reports regarding the efficacy of posterior only approach with short instrumentation including even inflamed segment.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with lumbar pyogenic spondylitis who underwent posterior decompression and lumbar interbody fusion with short instrumentation including the inflamed segment and catheter drainage were enrolled. Clinically infection control (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein normalization time) and onset of ambulation were reviewed. Moreover, achievement of fusion and changes of sagittal alignment were investigated radiologically.

RESULTS

In all 33 cases, infection was controlled successfully without any recurrence. There was no breakage of implant. Postoperative interval to normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate was average 69.4 days and C-reactive protein was 25.4 days, respectively. Ambulation was started at average 5.8 postoperative days. Successful interbody fusion was confirmed radiologically in all the cases at a mean of 5.4 months. Sagittal angle of fixed segment was average 6.9 degrees of lordosis before operation, which became more lordotic to 11.5 degrees just after operation, but decreased to 4.7 degrees of lordosis at the final follow up. Actually final sagittal alignment was almost same as preoperative status (P = 0.24).

CONCLUSION

By achieving favorable clinical and radiological results, short instrumentation and prolonged suction drainage with posterior only approach seemed to be an effective method in managing lumbar pyogenic spondylitis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Rigid Posterior Lumbopelvic Fixation without Formal Debridement for Pyogenic Vertebral Diskitis and Osteomyelitis Involving the Lumbosacral Junction: Technical Report

Background

Pelvic fixation with S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screws can increase the rigidity of a lumbosacral construct, which may promote bone healing, improve antibiotic delivery to infected tissues, and avoid L5–S1 pseudarthrosis.

Purpose

To describe the use of single-stage posterior fixation without debridement for the treatment of pyogenic vertebral diskitis and osteomyelitis (PVDO) at the lumbosacral junction.

Study design

Technical report.

Methods

We describe the management of PVDO at the lumbosacral junction in which the infection invaded the endplates, disk space, vertebrae, prevertebral soft tissues, and epidural space. Pedicle involvement precluded screw fixation at L5. Surgical management consisted of a single-stage posterior operation with rigid lumbopelvic fixation augmented with S2-alar-iliac screws and without formal debridement of the infected area, followed by long-term antibiotic treatment.

Results

At 2-year follow-up, successful fusion and eradication of the infection were achieved.

Conclusion

PVDO at the lumbosacral junction may be treated successfully using rigid posterior-only fixation without formal debridement combined with antibiotic therapy.

Lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine for the treatment of spondylodiscitis

Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebrae. With the advent of minimally invasive spinal surgery, less invasive approaches have been considered for the treatment of discitis. To date, however, there have been no reported cases of a minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach for the treatment of spondylodiscitis. The authors report a case of medically refractory discitis in a patient with multiple comorbidities who underwent a successful limited debridement via a lateral transpsoas corridor. This case describes a minimally invasive approach used to treat a patient with lumbar discitis/osteomyelitis who was otherwise a suboptimal surgical candidate.

Anterior versus posterior fixation for the treatment of lumbar pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis

This study was designed to observe the clinical outcome of anterior versus posterior instrumentation in the treatment of Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine. Twenty-three patients underwent either anterior (anterior fixation group) or posterior fixation (posterior fixation group) combined with a single-stage anterior radical debridement and had an average follow-up of 38 months. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale. Serial tests of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were used to monitor for infection recurrence. Radiography was performed pre- and postoperatively to assess the deformity correction and for bony fusion. Serial erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels reflect the active state of infection and can guide postoperative treatment. Patients in the anterior fixation group showed significantly better results on the Oswestry Disability Index than those in the posterior fixation group 2 years postoperatively. The visual analog scale values demonstrated a significant difference between the 2 groups at 1 and 2 years postoperatively, with pain significantly improved in the anterior fixation group. Radiological results showed no significant difference in fusion time, deformity correction, and cage subsidence. Both anterior and posterior fixation had satisfactory outcomes and were reliable and safe for the treatment of Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine. Patients with anterior fixation may achieve better postoperative results, such as better well being and less pain.