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Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
4.9K
Typhoid spondylodiscitis of the cervical spine
Yusoff Norisyam1, Thurairajasingam Jayamalar1, Choong Hoon Foo2
1Department of Orthopaedic, Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Bharu, Malaysia.
BMJ Case Reports
|December 21, 2023
Summary
This case study highlights a rare Salmonella spinal infection in an immunocompetent individual. Early diagnosis via tissue analysis is crucial for treating this challenging pyogenic spondylodiscitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Spinal infections, including pyogenic spondylodiscitis, present with non-specific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.
- Definitive diagnosis and treatment rely on tissue analysis via culture and histopathology.
Observation:
- A case of Salmonella pyogenic spondylodiscitis affecting the C5/C6 vertebrae is presented.
- The patient experienced mechanical neck pain impacting daily activities but had no neurological deficits.
Findings:
- The patient was immunocompetent, from a non-endemic area, with no identified Salmonella source or prior gastrointestinal symptoms.
- The infection was complicated by Salmonella bacteraemia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in spinal infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Highlights the need for thorough diagnostic workup, including tissue analysis, for effective management of spinal infections.
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