Vacuum Sealing Drainage for Primary Thoracolumbar Spondylodiscitis: A Technical Note
Hao Xing1, Yang Yang1, Wenqiang Xing1
1Department of Orthopedics, 960th Hospital of PLA, Jinan 250031, China.
Biomed Research International
|August 19, 2022
Summary
Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) offers a novel, effective treatment for primary thoracolumbar infections. This minimally invasive approach achieved clinical cure in all 6 patients, demonstrating significant improvement and safety.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Primary spinal infections, particularly thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis, pose significant challenges in neurosurgical practice.
- Current treatment strategies may have limitations, necessitating innovative approaches for effective management.
- Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored to improve patient outcomes and reduce surgical morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) sponge placement within the intervertebral space for treating primary thoracolumbar infections.
- To assess the safety and clinical outcomes of VSD in a cohort of bedridden patients with spondylodiscitis.
- To determine the short-term and mid-term effectiveness of this novel VSD application in managing spinal infections.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case series involving 6 bedridden patients diagnosed with primary thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis without spinal deformity.
- All patients underwent VSD sponge insertion into the affected intervertebral space.
- Clinical outcomes, including infection resolution, functional scores (JOA score), and complications, were monitored during 3-month and 12-month follow-ups.
Main Results:
- All 6 patients achieved clinical cure of their thoracolumbar infection within 3 months of VSD treatment.
- No surgical-related mortality was observed in the study cohort.
- Significant improvement in Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores was noted post-VSD treatment, with 5 patients completing 12-month follow-up without recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) sponge application in the intervertebral space is a feasible, safe, and effective method for treating primary thoracolumbar infections.
- The VSD technique demonstrates promising short-term efficacy and positive functional outcomes in selected patients.
- This innovative approach warrants further investigation for broader application in spinal infection management.
