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Updated: May 2, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
4.8K
Collapsed L4 vertebral body caused by brucellosis
Mehmet Ali Ekici1, Zühtü Ozbek2, Burak Kazancı1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Şevket Yılmaz Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|February 27, 2014
Summary
Brucellosis, a zoonotic infection, can cause rare but severe vertebral collapse. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent spinal cord compression and paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brucellosis is a systemic zoonotic infection caused by Brucella species.
- Vertebral brucellosis, though rare, poses a significant neurosurgical challenge.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old man presented with severe low back pain and radicular symptoms due to Brucella melitensis infection.
- Imaging revealed massive collapse of the L4 vertebral body.
- The patient underwent surgical decompression and spinal stabilization.
Findings:
- Brucella melitensis was identified in blood and pathological specimens.
- The patient received a 6-month antibiotic regimen of doxycycline and rifampicin.
- Successful surgical and medical management led to recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of vertebral collapse.
- Neurosurgeons and infectious disease specialists must maintain a high index of suspicion for this condition.
- Early recognition and multidisciplinary management can prevent severe neurological deficits.
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