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Dr. Paresh Bang
Consultant Spine Surgeon
Surgery For Spine Infections In Satna
Surgery For Spine Infections
Causes
Spinal infections can be caused by either a bacterial or a fungal infection in another part of the body that has been carried into the spine through the bloodstream. The most common source of spinal infections is a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus, followed by Escherichia coli.
Spinal infections may occur after a urological procedure, because the veins in the lower spine come up through the pelvis. The most common area of the spine affected is the lumbar region. Intravenous drug abusers are more prone to infections affecting the cervical region. Recent dental procedures increase the risk of spinal infections, as bacteria that may be introduced into the bloodstream during the procedure can travel to the spine.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of spinal infection but, generally, pain is localized initially at the site of the infection. In postoperative patients, these additional symptoms may be present:
- Wound drainage
- Redness, swelling or tenderness near the incision
Diagnosis
- The biggest challenge is making an early diagnosis before serious morbidity occurs. Diagnosis typically takes an average of one month, but can take as long as six months, impeding effective and timely treatment. Many patients do not seek medical attention until their symptoms become severe or debilitating.
Surgical Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment should be considered first when patients have minimal or no neurological deficits and the morbidity and mortality rate of surgical intervention is high. However, surgery may be indicated when any of the following situations are present:
Significant bone destruction causing spinal instability
- Neurological deficits
- Sepsis with clinical toxicity caused by an abscess unresponsive to antibiotics
- Failure of needle biopsy to obtain needed cultures
- Failure of intravenous antibiotics alone to eradicate the infection
Indications for Surgery
Surgery is considered in the following scenarios:
- Severe infection that doesn’t respond to antibiotics.
- Abscess formation (pockets of pus).
- Spinal instability caused by infection.
- Compression of the spinal cord or nerves, leading to neurological deficits (like numbness or paralysis).
- Significant bone destruction.
Types of Spine Infections
- Vertebral Osteomyelitis: Infection of a bones in the spine (vertebrae).
- Discitis: Infection of the intervertebral discs.
- Spinal Epidural Abscess: Accumulation of pus between the dura mater (the outer membrane covering the spinal cord) and the spine.
- Post-surgical Infections: Infections that arise after spinal surgeries.
Surgical Approaches
- Debridement: Removal of infected or necrotic tissue.
- Drainage: Abscesses may need to be drained to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- Spinal Fusion: If infection has caused instability, spinal fusion may be performed to provide stability by fusing two or more vertebrae together.
- Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Percutaneous Surgery: In some cases, minimally invasive procedures can be performed to drain abscesses or inject antibiotics.
Risks and Recovery
Surgery for spinal infections can be complex and may involve risks such as bleeding, infection recurrence, or damage to nearby structures like nerves. Recovery often involves a combination of:
- Prolonged antibiotic therapy: To ensure that the infection is completely eradicated.
- Physical rehabilitation: To regain strength and mobility, especially if the surgery affected the stability of the spine.
- Follow-up imaging: To monitor the progress of the healing process and ensure the infection has not returned.
Non-surgical Treatment
Not all spine infections require surgery. Mild infections may be treated with:
- Antibiotics: Typically administered intravenously for several weeks.
- Immobilization: Use of braces to limit movement and support the spine during healing.Contact Us
Prognosis
Early diagnosis and treatment (both surgical and non-surgical) are crucial for a good outcome. Delayed treatment may lead to complications such as chronic pain, permanent neurological deficits, or spinal deformity.Visit Our Hospital