[Immobilizing back pain in an elderly patient: Differential diagnostic considerations and diagnosis]
Nicole Schmid1, Michael Osthoff1, Dimitri Gassmann1,2
1Klinik für Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital Winterthur, Winterthur.
Praxis
|September 8, 2026
Abstract
Introduction:
A 77-year-old patient presents with acute back pain. Due to elevated CRP and other lab abnormalities, bacterial spondylodiscitis is initially suspected, and blood cultures are obtained early. However, a biopsy reveals uric acid crystals and cultures remain negative, leading to the diagnosis of gout spondylodiscitis. Treatment includes renal-adjusted anti-inflammatory therapy, urate-lowering therapy and flare prophylaxis.
