Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Spondylodiscitis Treated at the Hospital Da Restauracao

Abstract

Introduction: Spondylodiscitis is a global term that includes vertebral osteomyelitis, spondylitis and discitis, representing approximately 3 to 5% of all cases of osteomyelitis. It occurs in around 0.5 to 2.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year, with men being more affected. It has a bimodal peak incidence, the first peak up to 20 years and the second between 50 and 70 years. Most cases have an indication for non-surgical treatment, so surgery is reserved for specific cases.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiology of the population affected by spondylodiscitis and assess the response to surgical treatment.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in a tertiary center in Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil, investigating spondylodiscitis in all patients with back pain without a history of trauma or neurological deficit without a diagnosis of degenerative spine disease. The diagnosis of spondylodiscitis was confirmed in all cases with magnetic resonance imaging. The study period was two years.

Results: During the study period, we diagnosed 31 patients with spondylodiscitis, 58% were male, the mean age was 64.9 years, the main comorbidities were systemic arterial hypertension, dialysis renal failure and diabetes, previous non-neurological surgeries (Caesarean births, permanent vascular catheter for dialysis, cardiac surgery on the iac etc.) were identified as a risk factor, 58% of patients have motor weakness and L4-L5 were the most frequent level affected. Antibiotic therapy was used in accordance with current guidelines.

Conclusion: The clinical profile of our patients was 6 decades of life, male patients with neurological disabilities, clinical management has favorable results.