Abstract
Objectives: The objective is to determine the frequency and the semiological and evolutionary profiles of infectious spondylodiscitis in hospital practice in Kara. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a case series of patients with infectious spondylodiscitis, who were admitted to the rheumatology department of Kara University Hospital in North Togo. Results: Among the 3972 examined patients, 86 (33 males and 53 females) patients (2.16%) had infectious spondylodiscitis. The average age of these patients at the onset of the disease was 47.20 years. The average duration of the disease was 11.41 months. Tuberculosis was suspected in 77 of 86 patients (89.53%). The infectious spondylodiscitis most often affected the lumbar (51.04%) and dorsal (21.87%) segments and was associated with a pulmonary location in 31 patients (36.04%). In addition to underdevelopment and poor hygiene (72 cases), alcoholism (15 cases) and human immunodeficiency virus infection (10 cases) were the main risk factors identified. The progress with the medical treatment was favorable in 65 patients (75.58%) and 16 patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: The frequency of infectious spondylodiscitis reflects the underdevelopment and poor hygiene levels in Black Africa. Its etiology is most commonly associated with tuberculosis and remains a concern despite the epidemiological transition of the different diseases.
Highlights
IntroductionInfectious spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies, rarely affecting the posterior inter-apophyseal joints [1]
Osteoarticular infections play a significant role in rheumatology practice
Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a case series of patients with infectious spondylodiscitis, who were admitted to the rheumatology department of Kara University Hospital in North Togo
Summary
Infectious spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies, rarely affecting the posterior inter-apophyseal joints [1]. It is a ubiquitous condition with uneven distribution across the globe [1] [2] [3], more than 90% of cases have been reported in developing countries [4]. The absence of specific data on infectious spondylodiscitis in semi-rural areas in the northern part of Togo was the motivation for this study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
