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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Brucella cervical spondylitis complicated by spinal cord compression: a case report
Paraskevas Hantzidis1, Anestis Papadopoulos, Christos Kalabakos
1Orthopaedic Department, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki Thessaloniki Greece. parchan@otenet.gr
Cases Journal
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Brucellosis can cause cervical spondylitis, leading to neurological issues. Surgical intervention and antimicrobial therapy successfully treated a severe case, resolving infection within a year.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Study
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection endemic in many regions.
- Cervical spondylitis is a serious spinal condition.
- Neurological impairment can result from advanced spinal infections.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old farmer presented with advanced Brucella-related cervical spondylitis.
- The patient experienced significant neurological impairment due to the infection.
Findings:
- Surgical management included cervical vertebra corpectomy and debridement.
- Anterior plating and bone grafting stabilized the cervical spine.
- A 12-week course of dual antimicrobial chemotherapy was administered.
- One-year follow-up confirmed complete resolution of the Brucella infection.
Implications:
- Brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical spondylitis.
- This is particularly relevant for patients from endemic areas.
- Effective treatment involves a combination of surgical and antimicrobial approaches.
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