Primary pyogenic spondylitis following kyphoplasty: a case report

Area of Science:

• Spine surgery
• Infectious diseases
• Orthopedic surgery

Background:

• Pyogenic spondylitis is a rare complication following vertebroplasty, with only ten cases previously reported.
• This study presents the first documented case of pyogenic spondylitis and spondylodiscitis occurring after kyphoplasty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of pyogenic spondylitis and spondylodiscitis following kyphoplasty.
• To highlight the importance of considering pyogenic spondylitis in patients with recurrent back pain post-kyphoplasty.

Main Methods:

• A 72-year-old male developed paraplegia due to pyogenic spondylitis and a psoas abscess after kyphoplasty.
• Diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography-guided aspiration, identifying Streptococcus group C.
• Treatment involved percutaneous drainage, laminectomy with posterior instrumentation, and corpectomy with fusion using a titanium cage.

Main Results:

• The patient recovered without neurological deficits or signs of infection six weeks post-surgery.
• Successful management of pyogenic spondylitis and associated complications was achieved through surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Pyogenic spondylitis is an exceptionally rare complication after kyphoplasty.
• Recurrent postoperative back pain following kyphoplasty warrants consideration for pyogenic spondylitis.