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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Spondylodiscitis: update on diagnosis and management.
Theodore Gouliouris1, Sani H Aliyu, Nicholas M Brown
1Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QW, UK. theodore.gouliouris@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|September 30, 2010
Summary
Spondylodiscitis, often seen in older adults, is difficult to diagnose. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause, and while treatments have improved, more research is needed for optimal patient care.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Spondylodiscitis, encompassing vertebral osteomyelitis, spondylitis, and discitis, is a primary manifestation of hematogenous osteomyelitis in individuals over 50.
- Staphylococcus aureus is the leading pathogen in approximately half of non-tuberculous cases.
- Diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed due to the condition's rarity and the prevalence of low back pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on spondylodiscitis treatment.
- To identify gaps in treatment research and highlight areas for future investigation.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of published literature was conducted.
- Analysis focused on treatment strategies, outcomes, and the heterogeneity of existing studies.
Main Results:
- No randomized trials on spondylodiscitis treatment were identified.
- Existing studies were too heterogeneous for direct comparison of treatment efficacy.
- Despite advances in surgical, radiological, and antimicrobial therapies, patient morbidity remains substantial.
Conclusions:
- Randomized controlled trials are essential to determine optimal treatment duration, administration routes, and the role of combination or novel antimicrobial agents.
- Further research is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce patient morbidity associated with spondylodiscitis.
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