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Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 4/2018

01-12-2018 | Modern Management of TB and Other Chronic Infections (S Gugale, section editor)

Evaluation and Management of Pyogenic and Tubercular Spine Infections

Authors: Barrett S. Boody, Daniel A. Tarazona, Alexander R. Vaccaro

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 4/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review the most current diagnostic tools and treatment options for pyogenic and tubercular spine infection.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have focused on risk factors for failed nonoperative management in order to improve patient selection. Also, spine instrumentation and different grafting options have been safely utilized in the setting of an active infection without increasing the incidence of reoccurrence. However, the optimal surgical technique has yet to be established and instead should be patient specific.

Summary

Spine infections include a broad spectrum of disorders including discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, and spinal epidural abscess. It is paramount to recognized spine infections early due to the potential catastrophic consequences of paralysis and sepsis. The management of spine infections continues to evolve as newer diagnostic tools and surgical techniques become available. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast is the imaging study of choice and computed tomography-guided biopsies are crucial for guiding antibiotic selection. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment and surgery is indicated in patients with neurological deficits, sepsis, spinal instability, and those who have failed nonoperative treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Evaluation and Management of Pyogenic and Tubercular Spine Infections
Authors
Barrett S. Boody
Daniel A. Tarazona
Alexander R. Vaccaro
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 4/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-018-9523-y

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