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Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
[Research and progress on diagnosis and treatment of intervertebral space infection]
Xiao-Long Zhu, Wei-Xin Xu1, Jie Liu
1Department of Orthopaedics, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China; xwx.spine@163.com.
Abstract:
As the disc surgery were extensively developed, the incidence of intervertebral space infection was significantly increased. Due to a lack of specificity, early diagnosis is difficult and it is prone to misdiagnose. Intervertebral disc puncture sampling microorganism culture is a gold standard of antibiotic selection, but the positive detection rate needs to be improved. At present, different medical institutions have different opinious in epidemiology, treatment experiences, the choice of antibiotic treatment, the course of treatment and the way of operation. In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging, fluorine deoxidization glucose positron emission computed tomography scanning, the imaging application mediated percutaneous intervertebral disc, spinal puncture percutaneous endoscopic debridement and lavage drainage and percutaneous internal fixation combined with anterior posterior incision provide more choices for early diagnosis and treatment. Intervertebral infection should attract more attention to the prevention, early diagnosis, early specific pathogens. Doctors' experience and patients' actual situation should be considered when choosing a appropriate treatment. During the treatment, we should be closely monitored laboratory indexes and timely adjust plan of the treatment, and shorten the treatment time and prevent other complications through the auxiliary treatment.
Insights
Intervertebral disc infections are increasing post-surgery, making early diagnosis challenging. Improved diagnostic methods and tailored treatments are crucial for better patient outcomes in spinal infections.
Area of Science:
- Spinal surgery
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- The increasing prevalence of disc surgery has led to a rise in intervertebral space infections.
- Early diagnosis of these infections is often difficult due to a lack of specificity, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.
Observation:
- Microorganism culture from intervertebral disc puncture is the gold standard for antibiotic selection, but its positive detection rate requires improvement.
- Current approaches to epidemiology, treatment, and surgical interventions for intervertebral infections vary significantly across medical institutions.
Findings:
- Advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET-CT, along with minimally invasive procedures such as percutaneous endoscopic debridement and lavage drainage, offer new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
- A multidisciplinary approach considering physician expertise and patient-specific factors is essential for selecting appropriate antibiotic treatments and surgical strategies.
Implications:
- Greater emphasis on prevention, early pathogen identification, and timely diagnosis of intervertebral infections is warranted.
- Close monitoring of laboratory indices and adaptive treatment adjustments are vital for optimizing patient recovery and minimizing complications.
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