ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences 2020 June;64(3):243-6

DOI: 10.23736/S0390-5616.17.03997-2

Copyright © 2017 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Are Modic type 2 disc changes associated with low-grade infections? A pilot study

Lorenzo DRAGO ^{1, 2}, Carlo L. ROMANÒ ¹, Riccardo CECCHINATO ¹, Jorge H. VILLAFAÑE ³ ✉, Elena DE VECCHI ¹, Claudio LAMARTINA ¹, Pedro BERJANO ¹

¹ Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy; ² University of Milan, Milan, Italy; ³ Don Gnocchi IRCCS and Foundation, Milan, Italy

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare intraoperative cultural examination in patients undergoing elective surgery for low-back pain with Modic 2 changes to patients without Modic signs. The aim of this study is to compare intraoperative cultural examination in patients undergoing elective surgery for low-back pain with Modic 2 changes to patients without Modic signs.
METHODS: Sixteen patients with Modic 2 changes were compared with 23 patients without Modic signs. Preoperative laboratory tests and intraoperative tissue cultures were performed, according to a standardized procedure.
RESULTS: While no difference was found in preoperative laboratory tests, intraoperative cultural examination showed positive results in six of 16 (37.5%) Modic 2 patients versus one of 23 (4.3%) in patients without Modic changes (P=0.012).
CONCLUSIONS: Although performed in a limited series of patients, this study supports the hypothesis that some cases of Modic 2 changes might be associated with the presence of low virulent bacteria.

KEY WORDS: Spine; Low back pain; Propionibacterium acnes; Intervertebral disc disease; Hernia