Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
A seven-year prospective study on spondylodiscitis: epidemiological and microbiological features
C D'Agostino1, L Scorzolini, A P Massetti
1Dept. of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University La Sapienza Rome, Rome, Italy.
Infection
|March 2, 2010
Summary
Spondylodiscitis, an infection of the spine, commonly affects the elderly and is increasingly caused by multi-resistant bacteria and fungi. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes in patients with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Spondylodiscitis is a serious spinal infection with significant clinical implications.
- Understanding its clinical and etiological aspects is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand the knowledge on the clinical and etiological factors of spondylodiscitis.
- To analyze demographic characteristics, causative microorganisms, and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 81 patients with spondylodiscitis from 2001-2007.
- Data collected included demographics, underlying diseases, procedures, imaging, microbiology, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- The lumbosacral spine was the most common site of infection (72.8%).
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen (43.1%).
- Hospital-acquired spondylodiscitis showed earlier diagnosis but a growing proportion of fungi and multi-resistant bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Infectious spondylodiscitis predominantly affects the elderly, often linked to healthcare exposure.
- The etiology is shifting towards multi-resistant bacteria and fungi, necessitating adapted treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...