Safety and efficacy of percutaneous instrumentation combined with antibiotic treatment in spondylodiscitis

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with spondylodiscitis are treated with antibiotics and braces for 6 to 12 weeks. Braces aim to decrease pain and prevent kyphotic deformity due to vertebral body collapse. Percutaneous instrumentation could be an alternative to influence pain and patient's autonomy. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyze back pain, quality of life, sagittal deformity, and complications after percutaneous instrumentation in spondylodiscitis. Patients and methodsVAS for back pain, EQ-5D, radiographic sagittal index were assessed retrospectively for 28 patients who had a standardized follow-up at 5 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 1 and 2 years. Probabilities>0.95 indicated significant changes (Bayesian model). ResultsVAS was 7.0 preoperatively, 3.2 (day 5), 2.2 (6 weeks), 1.9 (3 months), 1.6 (1 year), 1.4 (2 years): probabilities>0.95 within 6 weeks. EQ-5D was 0.229 preoperatively, 0.563 (6 weeks), 0.687 (3 months), 0.755 (1 year), 0.787 (2 years): probabilities>0.95 within 1 year. Sagittal index was 15.1° preoperatively, 9.6° postoperatively: probability>0.95. Inter-body fusion was: complete 60.7%, partial 17.9%, and nonunion 21.4%. Antibiotic treatment was stopped at 6 weeks in 82.1%, at 3 months in 17.9%, without septic complication. ConclusionPercutaneous instrumentation improved pain control, quality of life and prevented kyphosis. Antibiotic treatment was not influenced. Septic complications were not observed. Level of evidenceIV.