Progress in diagnosis and treatment of primary spondylodiscitis: a systematic literature review

Primary spondylodiscitis poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with delayed diagnosis or improper treatment potentially resulting in severe complications. This systematic review aimed to summarize the latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for primary spondylodiscitis.

Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature review. PubMed was comprehensively searched for English-language original studies from January 1, 1990, to October 31, 2024. Structured queries combined keywords and MeSH terms relevant to spondylodiscitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, spinal infection, and associated treatments. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, with manual bibliography searches as a supplement. A total of 147 articles were finally included.

The literature indicates that diagnosis can be based on clinical suspicion, using serological, radiological, and microbiological tests. Newer methods such as metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) can enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. For confirmed cases, appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial. Surgical treatment can benefit patients with neurological deficits, sepsis, spinal instability/deformity, epidural abscesses, or failed conservative treatment, accelerating recovery and reducing complications. Minimally invasive surgical approaches may also serve as an alternative to open surgery for select patients.

Although new technologies have improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment success rates for primary spondylodiscitis, establishing a robust staging system is vital to ensure patients receive effective, evidence-based treatment options.