Spinal infections are relatively rare, accounting for only 2–4% of all osteomyelitis infections, and are located preferentially in the thoracic and lumbar segments. Although the cervical segment is the less common spine localization, cervical spinal infections present the highest incidence of neurological involvement [6].
Recent advances in diagnosis and management — with the introduction of antibiotics and more aggressive surgery — greatly improved the prognosis of patients with cervical spinal infection [6].
Spinal infections have a highly variable outcome [6], with dramatic consequences in some patients. Mortality is estimated around 1–20%, depending on the infecting agent and the general health status of the patient. The incidence of paralysis because of direct cord involvement is up to 50%, depending on the patient population and the involved spinal segment.
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Denaro, L., Longo, U.G., Denaro, V. (2010). Infections of the Cervical Spine. In: Denaro, L., D'Avella, D., Denaro, V. (eds) Pitfalls in Cervical Spine Surgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-85019-9_13
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