Reoperation in the management of post-operative disc space infection

Post-operative intervertebral disc space infection had been recognised as a clinical entity with its own characteristics. Various treatments have been described. During the last six years 3127 open lumbar intervertebral disc operations were performed of which 15 (0.5%) showed a post-operative discitis. We treated our patients by reoperation of the infected intervertebral disc space. The reason of reoperation consists of acquiring material for bacteriological culture and removing loose fragments. It appears to us that reoperation is facilitating early mobilisation of patients. Also attention is paid to new diagnostic possibilities.