[Non-tuberculous spondylodiscitis. Multicenter study of 19 cases]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Non-tuberculous infectious spondylodiscitis (NTIS) is a serious spinal infection.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of NTIS patients.
• To identify factors associated with poor prognosis in NTIS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 19 patients diagnosed with NTIS over 10 years across three hospitals.
• Etiological confirmation in 13 cases, with diagnosis based on clinical, radiological, and treatment response in others.
• Analysis of patient demographics, symptoms, diagnostic intervals, laboratory values (VSG), and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The majority of patients were males aged 40-60 years.
• Local pain was the most common initial symptom; delayed diagnosis averaged 6.8 weeks.
• Seven patients required surgery, with six experiencing paraparesis-paraplegia; one patient died, and two had persistent neurological deficits.

Conclusions:

• NTIS presents with diverse symptoms, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
• Surgical intervention is frequently necessary for neurological complications, but outcomes can include permanent disability.
• Effective management requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic and surgical strategies.