Spinal tuberculosis: a review

Atlantoaxial TB with paralysis: posterior-only cervical approach with good results

Early posterior cervical approach is an effective strategy for patients with cervical tuberculosis in the appropriate circumstances.

Computed Tomography-Guided Catheterization Drainage to Cure Spinal Tuberculosis With Individualized Chemotherapy

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of individualized chemotherapy delivered via percutaneous catheter drainage on paravertebral abscesses in spinal tuberculosis (TB). Data from 48 patients with spinal TB with paravertebral abscesses who received individualized chemotherapy via computed tomography-guided catheterization between 2009 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The paravertebral abscesses affected the thoracic vertebra (n=12), the lumbar spine (n=20), the thoracolumbar vertebra (n=10), and the lumbosacral (n=6). All patients achieved clinical healing with no recurrence. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and visual analog scale scores decreased significantly by the endpoint of follow-up. Although C-reactive protein values increased slightly right after treatment, they were also significantly lower at last follow-up. The kyphotic angle and Oswestry Disability Index values also exhibited significant decreases. No neurologic function impairment was reported. Computed tomography-guided catheterization for continuous administration of individualized chemotherapy was a safe and effective treatment for spinal TB with paravertebral abscesses in the cohort examined, and thus, it warrants further study. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e443-e449.].

Comparison between titanium mesh and autogenous iliac bone graft to restore vertebral height through posterior approach for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis

Object

To compare the clinical efficacy of titanium mesh cages and autogenous iliac bone graft to restore vertebral height through posterior approach in patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

Method

59 patients with spinal tuberculosis underwent interbody fusion and internal fixation through posterior approach in our department from January 2011 to December 2013. In group A, 34 patients obtained titanium mesh for the reconstruction of vertebral height, among them 25 patients (group A1) suffered from single-segment spinal tuberculosis, and 9 patients, (group A2) had multi-segment spinal tuberculosis. In group B, 25 patients got autogenous iliac bone graft to restore vertebral height, including 24 patients with single-segment spinal tuberculosis (group B1), and 1 patient with multi-segment spinal tuberculosis (group B2). The clinical efficacy was evaluated based on average operation time, blood loss, hospital stays, hospitalization expenses, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-Reactive protein (CRP), neurological function recovery, bony fusion, intervertebral height, Cobb angle and postoperative complications.

Results

Final follow-up time was an average of 35.5 months ranging from 15 to 56 months. All patients were completely cured and obtained solid bone fusion. The bony fusion time was 9.4±6.1 months in group A1, 10.2±2.7 months in group A2 and 8.7±3.6 months in group B1. There were no significant difference among three groups (P>0.05). The Cobb correction and restoration of intervertebral height significantly improved compared with those in preoperation, but without significant difference among three groups (P>0.05). The loss of angular correction and intervertebral height in group A1 were found to be less than those in group B1 (P<0.05), but with no significant difference between group A1 and group A2, and between group A2 and group B1 (P>0.05). Patients in group B1 got the most loss of angular correction and intervertebral height. In addition, neurological function was revealed to be significantly improved after surgery. There were significant differences of VAS, ODI, ESR and CRP between preoperation and postoperation at the final follow-up time (P<0.05), with no significant difference among three groups (P>0.05). No statistically significant difference was found when analyzing blood loss, hospital stays, hospitalization expenses, and corrective cost among three groups (P>0.05). Complications included cerebrospinal fluid leakage (2 cases in group A1 and group A2), sinus formation (3 cases in group A1, group A2 and group B1), and intervertebral infection (1 case in group B1), but no implant failure or donor site complications was found in any patient.

Conclusions

Titanium mesh cages could obtain good clinical efficacy comparable to autogenous iliac bone graft when treating single-segment spinal tuberculosis, and may be better than autogenous iliac bone graft for treating multi-segment spinal tuberculosis.

The role of Xpert MTB/RIF assay in the diagnosis of tubercular spondylodiscitis

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay in the diagnosis of tubercular spondylodiscitis and to identify its role in detecting Rifampicin resistance in patients with infective spondylodiscitis.

METHODS

A retrospective study including 348 patients suspected to have infective spondylodiscitis was done. Tissue/pus samples obtained were sent for culture, histopathology and Xpert MTB/RIF assay. All patients who were confirmed to have tubercular spondylodiscitis and those patients who were suspected on clinico-radiological basis were also treated with anti-tuberculous chemotherapy for a period of 9 months. The efficacy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay was assessed in terms of sensitivity and specificity when compared to culture, histopathology, and Composite reference standard (CRS).

RESULTS

During this study period of 24 months, a total of 348 patients were treated for infective spondylodiscitis. 254 patients were treated for tuberculosis following a smear positivity, culture positivity, and histopathology report or empirically based on clinico-radiological findings. The sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay when compared to culture were 88.4 and 63.7%, respectively. When compared to both culture and histopathology reports it was 80.9 and 80.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay when compared to composite reference standard were 71.2 and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity of the assay to detect Rifampicin resistance was 100%. The prevalence of Rifampicin resistance was 5.1%.

CONCLUSION

This study recommends Xpert MTB/RIF assay for early detection of Mycobacterium tubercular spondylodiscitis and Rifampicin resistance.

Multiplex PCR as a novel method in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis-a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Establishment of a reliable and rapid diagnosis is of paramount importance in spinal tuberculosis. The available gadgetry of investigations, such as AFB smear, culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Uniplex PCR, suffers from a lack of adequate sensitivity and/or a lack of rapidity. Therefore, many times a diagnosis is made either very late in the disease process or sometimes empirical therapy has to be started because a definite diagnosis could not be made. All of these are not ideal situations for a clinician. The present study was done with the aim to establish a rapid and reliable diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection. This was established by identifying M. tuberculosis genes.

METHODS

The study was done on nine consecutive patients who presented with non-traumatic spontaneous vertebral compression collapse. CT-guided aspirate from the involved vertebra was subjected to Multiplex PCR (MPCR) using three primers: IS6110, protein b, and MPB 64. The aspirate was also subjected to smear and culture. The results of MPCR were compared with the final diagnosis.

RESULTS

Seven out of nine patients had a final diagnosis of tuberculosis. MPCR was positive in six of these seven patients, thus showing sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 100%. Results of MPCR were obtained within 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

MPCR using IS6110, protein b, and MPB64 primers has a high sensitivity and specificity in rapid diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been attempted before in spinal tuberculosis. This is particularly useful for paucibacillary infections like spinal tuberculosis. However, further studies using large sample sizes are needed to confirm the practical applicability of this technique.

Surgical Treatment of Lower Cervical TuberculosisWith Kyphosis Deformity

The objective of this paper was to investigate the outcome of the patients with lower cervical tuberculosis with kyphosis deformity who underwent 1-stage anterior debridement, autograft fusion combined anterior or posterior fixation. From January 2007 to December 2012, 10 cases were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were 7 patients with cervical deformity and 3 with cervicothoracic kyphosis. Seven patients underwent anterior debridement and reconstruction, using iliac crest or cage with autograft, while 3 patients with cervicothoracic kyphosis received single-stage kyphosis correction and posterior fixation combined anterior debridement and autograft fusion. Neurologic function of all the patients was evaluated by JOA score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Patients were followed up for 26 months on average. The mean preoperative focal kyphotic angle was 49.1° (range, 25–90°), reducing to −4.9° (range, −15 to 13°) postoperatively at the last follow-up visit. Neurologic assessment of all the patients using the JOA and VAS score was improved significantly after surgery. All patients had solid fusion and no major complications were observed in the follow-up. One-stage anterior debridement, autograft fusion combined anterior or posterior fixation was demonstrated to be a safe and effective method to achieve spinal decompression and kyphosis correction in patients with lower cervical tuberculosis.

Roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and nuclear factor-κB in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model

This study aimed to explore the roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were collected and divided into four groups: experimental group (n=30, spinal tuberculosis model was established), the sham group (n=15, sham operation was performed) and the blank group (n=3). The qRT-PCR assay and western blotting were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of MCP-1, NF-κB, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10. Flow cytometry was adopted to assess the distributions of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ lymphocytes and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3 lymphocyte subsets. Compared with the sham and blank groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in the experimental group were significantly increased. The experimental group had lower serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and higher serum level of IL-10 than the sham and blank groups. In comparison to the sham and blank groups, CD4⁺ T lymphocyte subsets percentage, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3+ Tregs subsets accounting for CD4⁺ lymphocyte in the experimental group were lower, while percentage of CD8⁺ T lymphocyte subsets was higher. Our study provided evidence that higher expression of MCP-1 and NF-κB may be associated with decreased immune function of spinal tuberculosis, which can provide a new treatment direction for spinal tuberculosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentatial Diagnosis of Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis and Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis

BACKGROUND

Infectious spondylodiscitis is characterized by the involvement of two adjacent vertebrae and the intervening disc. Incidence rate of the disease is estimated at 0.4-2 cases per 100000 per year. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common infectious agent causing pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Non-pyogenic infections of the spine are most frequently caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and fungi. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent unfavorable irreversible sequela for the patient. Significant developments in techniques of imaging of pathological tissues raised expectations among the clinicians regarding possibility to distinguish between tuberculous spondylodiscitis and pyogenic spondylodiscitis on MR images. The aim of this study was to identify and differentiate between features of tuberculous and pyogenic spondylodiscitis on MR images.

MATERIAL/METHODS

We performed retrospective analysis of MR images obtained from 34 patients with confirmed spondylodiscitis (18 with pyogenic spondylodiscitis, and 16 with tuberculous spondylodiscitis). Data acquisition was performed using 1.5 T MRI scanners where images were obtained using similar protocols. T2 TIRM and T1-weighted images with and without contrast enhancement were subject to assessment in coronal, axial and sagittal planes.

RESULTS

Characteristic features of pyogenic spondylodiscitis include: involvement of the lumbar spine, ill-defined paraspinal abnormal contrast enhancement, diffuse/homogeneous contrast enhancement of vertebral bodies, low-grade destruction of vertebral bodies, hyperintense/homogeneous signal from the vertebral bodies on T2 TIRM images. Prevailing features of tuberculous spondylodiscitis included: involvement of the thoracic spine, involvement of 2 or more adjacent vertebral bodies, severe destruction of the vertebral body, focal/heterogeneous contrast enhancement of vertebral bodies, heterogeneous signal from the vertebral bodies on T2 TIRM images, well-defined paraspinal abnormal contrast enhancement, paraspinal and epidural abscesses, meningeal enhancement at the affected spine level.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison of MR images of patients diagnosed with pyogenic spondylodiscitis and tuberculous spondylodiscitis allowed identification of individual characteristics for preliminary differentiation between TB and infectious spondylodiscitis and thereby enabling proper treatment.

Imaging Manifestations of Thoracic Tuberculosis

Despite significant improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis achieved during the last 3 decades, tuberculosis still remains one of the deadliest communicable diseases worldwide. Tuberculosis is still present in all regions of the world, with a more significant impact in developing countries. This article reviews the most common imaging manifestations of primary and postprimary tuberculosis, their complications, and the critical role of imaging in the diagnosis and follow-up of affected patients.

Diagnosis and Treatment Particularities in Osteoarticuar Tuberculosis

Osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) is a secondary chronic infection with paubacillary bacillus Koch (BK) that has bone and joint interest. Today in Romania, tuberculosis is a primary public health problem, according to World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015 alone, there have been 10.4 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the world, of which 15.195 in Romania. Pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, especially the osteoarticular form, with multiple outbreaks should of had a minimal impact, but because of the multiple characteristics such as: epidemiological, geographic, associated diseases, diagnosis capacity, therapeutic options, gene pool and racial evolutiv traits, the disease spreading and management in both developed and underdeveloped countries, the TB infection has seen an increase in the number of cases (e.g. Africa and Asia). Today there is a fecundity upsurge of BK infection, especially pronounced in low income populations, country side people being the most affected. There are multiple breakthroughs in the understanding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis physiopathology. This fact offers us a modern and genetically guided approach in the diagnosis, evolutive patterns and treatment involving the OATB.

Review of the History of Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Dysfunction

Background: The incidence of non-traumatic spinal cord dysfunction (SCDys) is reported to be higher than traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in many countries. No formal review of the history of SCDys has been published. Objective: This article aims to identify key highlights in the history of SCDys. Method: An electronic literature search was conducted (January 2017) using MEDLINE (1946-2016) and Embase (1974-2016) databases for publications regarding the history of SCDys. Publications on the history of SCI and a selection of neurology textbooks and books on the history of neurology were reviewed for potentially relevant references. The focus of the literature search was on identifying publications that detail key highlights regarding the history of the diagnosis and management of the most common SCDys conditions, as well as those of historical significance. Results: The electronic search of MEDLINE and Embase identified 11 relevant publications. The majority of publications included were identified from the authors' libraries and a selection of books on neurology and the history of neurology. Conclusions: This review outlines the history of SCDys, taking a broader historical perspective and covering the increasing awareness of the role of the spinal cord and knowledge of neuroanatomy. Key milestones in the history of the diagnosis and management of the most common SCDys conditions are presented. An appreciation of the history of SCDys increases our understanding of the large number of people who contributed to our current knowledge of these conditions and in some situations helps guide efforts regarding prevention of SCDys.

India contribution to Spine Surgery: 15 most influential articles

OBJECTIVE

To determine the number of articles published by Indian authors related to spine surgery and to enumerate the 15 most influential articles from India published in the field of spine surgery in national & international journals based on the citations they have received both in pubmed and google scholar.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study using Pubmed database was performed for the years between 1960 and 2015, for the articles published from India in the field of spine surgery in various national and international journals. A total of 3181 citations were received for top 15 most influential articles in the field of spine surgery from India.

RESULTS

A total of 885 papers from India were identified which were published by Indian authors related to spine surgery between year 1960 to 2015. The largest numbers of papers were published in International journals such as Spine (82) and in European Spine Journal (47).

CONCLUSION

There are an increasing number of papers from India in the field of spine surgery literature. Most of the highly cited papers were related to tuberculosis. We expect further contributions from our country to the medical literature in the future.

Active Community-Based Case Finding for Tuberculosis With Limited Resources

Papua New Guinea is one of the 14 highest-burden countries for tuberculosis (TB) infection, but few community-based studies exist. We evaluated a low-cost method of active community case finding in Kabwum and Wasu in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Over 3 months we visited 26 villages and screened adults and children for symptoms and signs of TB. Sputum samples were examined using smear microscopy. A total of 1700 people had chronic symptoms, of which 267 were suspicious for TB on further examination. Sputum from 230 symptomatic adults yielded 97 samples that were positive for acid-fast bacilli. In addition, 15 cases of extrapulmonary TB in adults and 17 cases of TB in children were identified. One hundred and thirty people were identified with active TB disease among the source population of approximately 17 000, giving an estimated prevalence of 765 per 100 000. One hundred and six (82%) cases were not previously diagnosed. The cost per case identified was US$146. It is feasible to conduct active community-based case finding and treatment initiation for TB with limited resources and in remote areas, and in Papua New Guinea the yield was high. Active case finding and follow-up of treatment in villages is needed to address the hidden burden of TB in Papua New Guinea and other high-burden Asia Pacific countries.

Spinal Tuberculosis and Cold Abscess without Known Primary Disease: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon but not rare. Bone and joint involvement constitute about 10% of extrapulmonary TB cases, with the spine being the most frequently affected site. Spinal TB patients typically present with back pain but other constitutional or pulmonary symptoms may be absent, rendering the diagnosis difficult. This case explores challenges in the diagnosis of spinal TB. We report a case of a 39-year-old woman presenting with vague back swelling for many years. Imaging revealed osteomyelitis of the spine but initial studies and cultures were negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The diagnosis was confirmed weeks later when cultures demonstrated Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Considering the severe complications of untreated spinal TB including paraplegia and need for surgical intervention, high suspicion is critical in early diagnosis.

A Case of Koch's Spine Treated with Modified Transpedicular Vertebral Curettage and Posterior Fixation: A Novel Technique

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by acid-fast mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli. Spinal involvement occurs in less than one percent of TB. Spinal TB (Pott's disease) accounts for 50% of skeletal TB. Though it most commonly affects the thoracolumbar junction, it can occur at any level of the spine. Early diagnosis and treatment is mandatory in order to avoid neurological complications and spinal deformity. We report a case of a young female with tuberculosis of D12-L1 who was treated with posterior decompression using a modified transpedicular approach and posterior instrumentation with a successful outcome.

Management of Spine Tuberculosis With Chemotherapy and Percutaneous Pedicle Screws in Adjacent Vertebrae: A Retrospective Study of 34 Cases

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of local chemotherapy combined with percutaneous pedicle screw in adjacent vertebra in the treatment of spine tuberculosis (TB).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Despite the increased treatment concepts and surgical methods, the management of TB, which is increasing in prevalence, remains challenging. Considerable complications existing in the conventional debridement surgery with TB spondylitis requires more attention.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation containing 34 cases of spinal TB (17 males, 17 females; average age 59 years; 14 thoracic TB, 11 thoracolumbar TB, nine lumbar TB) between April 2007 and August 2014 was conducted. All patients were treated with local chemotherapy combined with percutaneous pedicle screw in adjacent vertebrae. The ASIA grade, the Cobb angle, and complications were investigated.

RESULTS

All the patients were followed with an average of 18 (range, 12-52) months and were successfully treated without radiculopathy or neurological complications, with 27 excellent and seven fair outcomes at the final follow-up. One case that developed serious abscess in the primary focus underwent anterior focus debridement and bone graft fusion and recovered to the grade of fine at the final following up. As for kyphotic deformity, there was no Cobb angle loss. No other obvious complications were observed in all the patients.

CONCLUSION

Local chemotherapy combined with percutaneous pedicle screw in adjacent vertebrae seems an effective method to treat spine TB, with some advantages including smaller trauma, fine neurologic recovery, few complications, and no Cobb angle loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Tubercular spondylitis: A review of MRI findings in 80 cases

Background

Tuberculosis of spine is known as tubercular spondylitis or Pott's spine. The vertebral involvement leads to various pathological processes such as abscess formation, cord compression, and gibbus deformity. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice which not only helps in diagnosing a case of Pott's spine but also gives valuable information about its impending complications, thereby, aiding in management of these cases.

Methods

In this study, MRI scans of 80 proven cases of tubercular spondylitis were studied retrospectively for the various pathological processes affecting the spine.

Results

Of the 80 cases included in this study, 68.8% of cases were male and 31.2% of cases were females. Majority of cases were seen in 21-40 yrs age group. Lumbar vertebrae were more commonly affected than the dorsal vertebrae. Contiguous two vertebral involvement was the most common pattern, and skip lesions were seen in 5% of cases. Pre-, paravertebral and epidural soft tissue component was seen in 96.25% and 62.5% of cases, respectively. Intervertebral disc Involvement was noted in 95% of cases, and cord edema was seen in 15% of cases.

Conclusion

Tubercular spondylitis or Pott's spine is an extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis which affects the spine. MRI is the imaging modality of choice not only in diagnosing the condition but also in guiding the surgical management. The cases of spinal tuberculosis were systematically analyzed for various pathological lesions which are produced in the spine as the disease progresses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and GeneXpert: A Rapid and Accurate Diagnostic Tool for the Management of Tuberculosis of the Spine

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze various diagnostic tools, including GeneXpert, for the management of tuberculosis of the spine.

Overview of Literature

Traditional diagnostic methods of microscopy, histology, and culture have low sensitivity and specificity for the management of tuberculosis of the spine.

Methods

Of the 262 treated cases of spinal tuberculosis, data on 1 year follow-up was available for 217 cases. Of these, only 145 cases with a confirmed diagnosis were selected for retrospective analysis.

Results

In 145 of the 217 patients (66.80%), diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of a culture. Of the 145 patients with a confirmed diagnosis, 98 (66.20%) patients were diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation, whereas 123 (84.8%) exhibited a typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) picture. In 99 surgically treated patients, the diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of an intraoperative tissue biopsy. Among the 46 patients treated conservatively, 35 underwent a transpedicular biopsy, 4 patients underwent computed tomography-guided biopsy, 6 patients were diagnosed on the basis of material obtained from a cold abscess, and 1 patient underwent an open biopsy. The sensitivity of the culture for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 66.80% (145/217) in our patients. Among the cases in which GeneXpert was used, the sensitivity for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 93.4% (43/46). Moreover, the sensitivity of GeneXpert to detect rifampicin resistance was 100% (7/7) in our study.

Conclusions

Majority of the patients with tuberculosis of the spine can be diagnosed on the basis of a typical radiological presentation via MRI. In our study, 84.8% cases exhibited typical MRI findings. For patients presenting with atypical MRI features, a rapid and accurate diagnosis is possible by combining GeneXpert with MRI. The combined use of MRI and GeneXpert is a rapid and highly sensitive tool to diagnose tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in patients with tuberculosis of the spine. Furthermore, we achieved a 97.9% sensitivity for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 100% sensitivity for the detection of rifampicin resistance in our study.

Comparison of characteristics of culture-negative pyogenic spondylitis and tuberculous spondylitis: a retrospective study

Background

Differences between the characteristics of culture positive pyogenic spondylitis (CPPS) and tuberculous spondylitis (TS) are well known. However, differences between the characteristics of culture negative pyogenic spondylitis (CNPS) and TS have not been reported; these would be more helpful in clinical practice especially when initial microbiologic examination of blood and/or biopsy tissue did not reveal the causative bacteria in patients with infectious spondylitis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with CNPS and TS. We compared the characteristics of 71 patients with CNPS with those of 94 patients with TS.

Results

Patients with TS had more previous histories of tuberculosis (9.9 vs 22.3 %, p = 0.034), simultaneous tuberculosis other than of the spine (0 vs 47.9 %, p < 0.001), and positive results in the interferon-gamma release assay (27.6 vs 79.2 %, p < 0.001). Fever (15.5 vs. 31.8 %, p = 0.018), psoas abscesses (15.5 vs 33.0 %, p = 0.011), and paravertebral abscesses (49.3 vs. 74.5 %, p = 0.011) were also more prevalent in TS than CNPS.

Conclusions

Different from or contrary to the previous comparisons between CPPS and TS, fever, psoas abscesses, and paravertebral abscesses are more common in patients with TS than in those with CNPS.

Pott's disease in Moroccan children: clinical features and investigation of the interleukin-12/interferon-γ pathway

SETTING

Tuberculosis spondylodiscitis (TS), or Pott's disease, an extra-pulmonary form of tuberculosis (TB), is rare and difficult to diagnose in children. Some cases of severe TB in children were recently explained by inborn errors of immunity affecting the interleukin-12/interferon-gamma (IL-12/IFN-γ) axis.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse clinical data on Moroccan children with TS, and to perform immunological and genetic explorations of the IL-12/IFN-γ axis.

DESIGN

We studied nine children with TS diagnosed between 2012 and 2014. We investigated the IL-12/IFN-γ circuit by both whole-blood assays and sequencing of the coding regions of 14 core genes of this pathway.

RESULTS

A diagnosis of TS was based on a combination of clinical, biological, histological and radiological data. QuantiFERON(®)-TB Gold In-Tube results were positive in 75% of patients. Whole-blood assays showed normal IL-12 and IFN-γ production in all but one patient, who displayed impaired decreased response to IL-12. No candidate disease-causing mutations were detected in the exonic regions of the 14 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

TS diagnosis in children remains challenging, and is based largely on imaging. Further investigations of TS in children are required to determine the role of genetic defects in pathways that may or may not be related to the IL-12/IFN-γ axis.

Trends of spinal tuberculosis research (1994-2015): A bibliometric study

BACKGROUND

Spinal tuberculosis is the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis. However, there were limited data to evaluate the trend of spinal tuberculosis research. This study aims to investigate the trend of spinal tuberculosis research and compare the contribution of research from different countries and authors.

METHODS

Spinal tuberculosis-related publications from 1994 to 2015 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Excel 2013, GraphPad Prism 5, and VOSviewer software were used to analyze the search results for number of publications, cited frequency, H-index, and country contributions.

RESULTS

A total of 1558 papers were identified and were cited 16,152 times as of January 25, 2016. The United States accounted for 15.1% of the articles, 22.3% of the citations, and the highest H-index (33). China ranked third in total number of articles, fifth in citation frequency (815), and ranked seventh in H-index (13). The journal Spine (IF 2.297) had the highest number of publications. The author Jain A.K. has published the most papers in this field (20). The article titled "Tuberculosis of the spine: Controversies and a new challenge" was the most popular article and cited a total of 1138 times. The keyword "disease" was mentioned the most for 118 times and the word "bone fusion" was the latest hotspot by 2015.

CONCLUSION

Literature growth in spinal tuberculosis is slowly expanding. Although publications from China are increasing, the quality of the articles still requires improvements. Meanwhile, the United States continues to be the largest contributor in the field of spinal tuberculosis. According to our bibliometric study, bone fusion may be an emerging topic within spinal tuberculosis research and is something that should be closely observed.

Early diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis

Spinal tuberculosis (STB) is a common manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). STB accounts for around 2% of all cases of TB and around 15% of extrapulmonary TB cases. The World Health Organization has proposed a global strategy and targets for TB prevention, care, and control after 2015. Under this strategy, patients will receive standard care according to the recommendations and guidelines after confirmation of STB diagnosis. However, current recommendations and guidelines focus on disease and medication therapy management, and recommendations for early detection or decision-making algorithms regarding STB are lacking. In this review, we identified five key components for early diagnosis: (1) risk factors for STB; (2) common symptoms/signs of STB; (3) significant neuroradiological findings of STB; (4) significant laboratory findings of STB, including positive interferon-γ release assays and nonpyogenic evidence in initial laboratory data; and (5) significant clinical findings of STB. Individualized consideration for each patient with STB is essential, and we hope that the algorithm established in this review will provide a valuable tool for physicians who encounter cases of STB.

Minimally invasive surgery through the interlaminar approach in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis: A retrospective study of 31 patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive spinal decompression combined with local chemotherapy in treating patients with thoracic/lumbar tuberculosis (TB) and abscess compression of the spinal canal. Clinical data of 31 patients with thoracic/lumbar TB and spinal epidural abscess, admitted to our hospital between December 2005 and June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received initial conservative treatment but achieved unsatisfactory results and then underwent minimally invasive spinal canal decompression, focus debridement and catheter drainage through a posterior interlaminar approach. Postoperatively, a short-course (1-2months) of local chemotherapy was given. The patients were followed up on a regular basis. The neurologic status was graded according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score system. Kyphotic deformity was evaluated using Cobb angle measurement. Patients were followed up for an average of 37months (range: 12-96months). At the last follow-up, ASIA scores were improved in all patients, and there was a mild increase in the Cobb angle, but satisfactory spinal stabilization was achieved. Hepatorenal function, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels all returned to normal. One complication was observed, where the patient had worsened deficit postoperatively but achieved a satisfactory recovery (from Grade C to Grade E) one year after a second surgery. Minimally invasive spinal canal decompression combined with local chemotherapy appears to be an effective treatment for patients with thoracic/lumbar TB and abscess compression in the spinal canal.

Role of alpha-crystallin, early-secreted antigenic target 6-kDa protein and culture filtrate protein 10 as novel diagnostic markers in osteoarticular tuberculosis

Osteoarticular tuberculosis constitutes about 3% of all tuberculosis cases. Early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is a challenging problem especially in the case of osteoarticular tuberculosis owing to the lower number of bacilli. However, an accurate and timely diagnosis of the disease results in an improved efficacy of the given treatment. Besides the limitations of conventional methods, nowadays molecular diagnostic techniques have emerged as a major breakthrough for the early diagnosis of tuberculosis with high sensitivity and specificity. Alpha-crystallin is a dominantly expressed protein responsible for the long viability of the pathogen during the latent phase under certain stress conditions such as hypoxia and nitric oxide stress. Two other proteins-early secreted antigenic target-6 and culture filtrate protein-10-show high expression in the active infective phase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this article, we focus on the different proteins expressed dominantly in latent/active tuberculosis, and which may be further used as prognostic biomarkers for diagnosing tuberculosis, both in latent and active phases.

25-Hydroxy Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor and Toll-like Receptor 2 Polymorphisms in Spinal Tuberculosis: A Case-Control Study

Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene abnormalities confer susceptibility to tuberculosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), such asTLR-2, are also important mediators of inflammatory response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We evaluated serum vitamin D, and VDR and TLR-2 gene polymorphisms in patients with spinal tuberculosis.This study comprised of 3 groups: spinal tuberculosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and controls (each with 106 subjects). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure vitamin D levels, and polymerase chain reaction-sequencing method was used to analyze VDR and TLR-2 gene polymorphisms. Patients were followed up for 6 months.Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more prevalent in patients with spinal tuberculosis (P < 0.001) and pulmonary tuberculosis (P = 0.011), versus controls. The heterozygous and mutant genotypes of VDR TaqI gene were significantly associated with spinal tuberculosis (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 4.74 [2.45-9.18]) and pulmonary tuberculosis (P < 0.001; OR 3.52 [1.80-6.88]) when compared with controls. The heterozygous and mutant variants of VDR ApaI gene were significantly more common in patients with spinal tuberculosis in comparison with patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (P < 0.001; OR 2.90 [1.65-5.10]) and controls (P < 0.001; OR 6.56 [3.41-12.61]). We did not observe any significantly different results for TLR-2 gene polymorphisms. Vitamin D deficiency, VDR, and TLR-2 polymorphisms did not affect the 6-month disability.Vitamin D deficiency and VDR gene polymorphisms are significantly more prevalent in people with pulmonary and spinal tuberculosis. They may, in isolation or collectively, confer susceptibility to pulmonary and spinal tuberculosis.

Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis differ in affinity for human osteoblasts and alveolar cells in vitro

Although the lung is the primary site of infection of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is capable of causing infection at other sites. In 5–10 % such extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is located in bone tissue of the spine. It is unknown whether host or microbial factors are responsible for the site where extra-pulmonary tuberculosis manifests itself. One MDR isolate belonging to strain F28, one susceptible F11 and one isolate each of susceptible, MDR and XDR F15/LAM4/KZN were cultured in Middlebrook 7H9 media. Human osteoblasts (SaOS-2) and human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were exposed to these different isolates of M. tuberculosis and invasion capacity and intra-cellular multiplication rates were established. Mouse macrophage (MHS) cells exposed to M. tuberculosis H37Rv served as control. The invasion capacity of F15/LAM4/KZN representatives increased with the level of resistance. The F28 MDR strain showed similar invasion capacity as the XDR F15/LAM4/KZN for pulmonary epthelial cells, whilst the fully susceptible F11 strain displayed a propensity for osteoblasts. The differences observed may in part explain why certain strains are able to cause infection at specific extra-pulmonary sites. We postulated that the development of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis depends on the ability of the microbe to pass effectively through the alveolar epithelial lining and its affinity for cells other than those in pulmonary tissue.

Mycobacterial Osteomyelitis of the Spine Following Intravesical BCG Therapy for Bladder Cancer

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can involve the vertebral column. A rare cause of vertebral osteomyelitis is Mycobacterium bovis after intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. In this report, we describe the case of a 64-year-old male presenting with constitutional symptoms, progressive thoracic kyphosis, and intractable T11 and T12 radiculopathies over the proceeding six months. A CT scan revealed erosive, lytic changes of the T12 and L1 vertebrae with compression of the T12 vertebra. An MRI demonstrated T11-12 osteomyelitis with intervening discitis and extensive paraspinal enhancement with a corresponding hyperintensity on a short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence. A needle aspiration grew out Mycobacterial tuberculosis complex that was pansensitive to all antimicrobial agent therapies, except pyrazinamide on culture, a finding consistent with an M. bovis infection. The patient's infection and neurologic compromise resolved after transthoracic T11-12 vertebrectomies with decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots as well as T10-L1 instrumented fusion and protracted antimicrobial therapy. The epidemiology and natural history of M. bovis osteomyelitis are reviewed and the authors emphasize a mechanism of vertebral inoculation to explain the predilection of M. bovis osteomyelitis in males after intravesical BCG therapy.

One-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation in the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis in children

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of one-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation in the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis in children.

METHODS

From December 2007 to May 2012, 13 patients (six males and seven females) suffering from lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis were admitted. All patients were treated with one-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation. Then, the clinical efficacy was estimated by statistical analysis based on the data about Frankel grade, the Cobb angle of kyphosis, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which were collected at certain time.

RESULTS

The age of all patients ranged from 5 to 13 years (average, 8.8 years). Operation time ranged from 120 to 190 min (average, 165 min). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 200 to 800 ml (average, 460 ml). All patients were followed up for 24 to 57 months postoperatively (average, 33.5 months). The Cobb angle was changed significantly between preoperation and postoperation (P < 0.05), and there was no significant loss at the last follow-up. The preoperation ESR (62.5 ± 15.7) returned to normal (16.6 ± 8.1) within 3 months postoperatively in all patients (P < 0.05). Bone fusion was achieved within 3-5 months (average, 3.5 months). In the 13 cases, no postoperative severe complications occurred and neurologic function improved in various degrees.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of follow-up showed that one-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation can be an effective treatment method for the lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis in children.

A Case of Cervical Spine Tuberculosis in an Infant

Tuberculosis of cervical spine is an extremely rare entity in infants with only few case reports available in the literature. The diagnosis is often delayed due to less dramatic effects of paraplegia or quadriplegia in an infant as compared to older paediatric population. Along with clinical and laboratory investigations, imaging plays a crucial role in defining the extent of involvement, evaluation of complications, providing suitable differential diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment. Tuberculosis typically involves the discovertebral complex while involvement of isolated vertebral body or multiple vertebrae without involving the intervertebral discs is much less common. We present such an unusual case of cervical spine tuberculosis in an infant involving a single vertebral body without adjacent intervertebral disc involvement complicated with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and communicating hydrocephalus. The early medical intervention in this case resulted in early diagnosis, active treatment and resultant near normal recovery.

Neurosurgical approaches to spinal infections

Spinal infection is rare. Clinical suspicion is important in patients with nonmechanical neck and/or back pain to make the proper diagnosis in early disease. Before planning surgery, a thorough evaluation of the spinal stability, alignment, and deformity is necessary. Timing of surgery, side of approach, appropriate surgical technique, and spinal instruments used are crucial. Biomechanical preservation of the spinal column during and after the infection is a significant issue. Postoperative spine infection is another entity of which spinal surgeons should be aware of. Proper septic conditions with meticulous planning of surgery are essential for successful spine surgery and better outcome.

Pediatric and adult spinal tuberculosis: imaging and pathophysiology

The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) has increased in developing and developed countries as a consequence of the AIDS epidemic, immigration, social deprivation, and inadequate TB control and screening programs. Spinal TB may be osseous or nonosseous. Classic findings of multiple contiguous vertebral body involvement, gibbus formation, and subligamentous spread with paravertebral abscesses are optimally evaluated with MR imaging. Nonspondylitic spinal TB is less well described in the literature, may develop in the absence of TB meningitis, and is often associated with meningovascular cord ischemia. Radiologists should be familiar with the spectrum of imaging findings, allowing early diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition.

Bacterial Spine Infections in Adults: Evaluation and Management

Bacterial spinal infections in adults can have notable adverse consequences, including pain, neurologic deficit, spinal instability and/or deformity, or death. Numerous factors can predispose a person to spinal infection, many of which affect the immune status of the patient. These infections are typically caused by direct seeding of the spine, contiguous spread, or hematogenous spread. Infections are generally grouped based on anatomic location; they are broadly categorized as vertebral osteomyelitis, discitis, and epidural abscess. In some cases, the diagnosis may not be elucidated early without a reasonable index of suspicion. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination, laboratory data, proper imaging, and culture. Most infections can be treated with an appropriate course of antibiotics and bracing if needed. Surgical intervention is usually reserved for infections resistant to medical management, the need for open biopsy/culture, evolving spinal instability or deformity, and neurologic deficit or deterioration.

Application of digital tomosynthesis in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the value of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) applied in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis.

METHODS

Images of digital radiology (DR) and DTS were retrospectively analyzed in patients with spinal tuberculosis, and image quality and ratio of detection of lesions were compared.

RESULTS

Excellent ratio was higher for DTS images than DR images; ratios of detection of bone destruction, sequestration, and paraspinal abscess were higher for DTS than DR.

CONCLUSIONS

DTS had better image quality and ratios of detection of lesions and could be applied in diagnosing and following spinal tuberculosis and other spinal conditions such as infections or suspected tumors.

Spinal tuberculosis: Our experience and a review of imaging methods

We share our experience of 2000 spinal tuberculosis (TB) cases, including both typical and atypical presentations. The aim of the study is to estimate the incidence and types of spinal TB referred to our department for diagnosis. 2000 patients were selected by convenience sampling from January 2006 to September 2010. Study design was descriptive and among 2000 mostly unknown cases without evidence of symptoms of systemic TB (1080 males and 920 females). MRI without and with IV contrast, CECT with MPR, and in some cases not fit for MRI, CT myelography, were performed. Out of 2000 cases of tuberculous spine, 1080 (54%) were male and 920 (46%) were female. Their age ranged from 8-60 years. About 90% of patients were below the age of 40 years. Peak age among the males and females was 20-29 years and 14-35 years, respectively. The most common site of involvement was dorsal spine (45%) followed by lumbo-sacral spine (33%), cervical spine (10%) and at multiple levels (12%). Biopsies were done in 240 (12%) cases. Spinal TB should always be suspected when radiographs demonstrate a destructive spinal process. Awareness and prompt management of TB spine will help in reducing the continuing morbidity of this disease.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentiating Spondylitis from Vertebral Metastasis

Study Design

Observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach.

Purpose

To analyze the suitability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in distinguishing radiology images with a corresponding delineation of spondylitis and vertebral metastasis confirmed by histology results.

Overview of Literature

MRI is an accurate modality for assessing vertebrae and their disorders. Infections and metastasis are most commonly found in the vertebrae. It is difficult to differentiate between these two disorders both clinically and radiographically, particularly in atypical cases.

Methods

McNemar statistical test was used to analyze the data. Samples were chosen using the consecutive method. There were 35 samples (14 males and 21 females), consisting of 22 samples of spondylitis and 13 samples of metastasis confirmed on histology examination.

Results

Nineteen (86%) out of the 22 samples of histological spondylitis were diagnosed as having spondylitis on MRI, whereas all 13 samples of metastasis were 100% accurately diagnosed on MRI.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant difference between diagnostic radiology using MRI and histological diagnosis with a p=0.250 (p>0.05). In this respect, MRI was more precise in diagnosing metastasis. Typical MRI description of spondylitis was the involvement of anterior vertebrae and components of intervertebral discs, stiffening of discs, paravertebral abscess, and involvement of the vertebral segment sequence. Typical MRI delineation of metastasis was involvement of the anterior posterior vertebral component, paravertebral mass, and skip lesions.

Treatment effect, postoperative complications, and their reasons in juvenile thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis surgery

OBJECTIVE

Fifty-four juvenile cases under 18 years of age with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis underwent focus debridement, deformity correction, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation. The treatment effects, complications, and reasons were analyzed retrospectively.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

There were 54 juvenile cases under 18 years of age with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. The average age was 9.2 years old, and the sample comprised 38 males and 16 females. The disease types included 28 thoracic cases, 17 thoracolumbar cases, and 9 lumbar cases. Nerve function was evaluated with the Frankel classification. Thirty-six cases were performed with focus debridement and deformity correction and were supported with allograft or autograft in mesh and fixed with pedicle screws from a posterior approach. Eight cases underwent a combined anterior and posterior surgical approach. Nine cases underwent osteotomy and deformity correction, and one case received focus debridement. The treatment effects, complications, and bone fusions were tracked for an average of 52 months.

RESULTS

According to the Frankel classification, paralysis was improved from 3 cases of B, 8 cases of C, 18 cases of D, and 25 cases of E preoperatively. This improvement was found in 3 cases of C, 6 cases of D, and 45 cases of E at a final follow-up postoperatively. No nerve dysfunction was aggravated. VAS was improved from 7.8 ± 1.7 preoperatively to 3.2 ± 2.1 at final follow-up postoperatively. ODI was improved from 77.5 ± 17.3 preoperatively to 28.4 ± 15.9 at final follow-up postoperatively. Kyphosis Cobb angle improved from 62.2° ± 3.7° preoperatively to 37° ± 2.4° at final follow-up postoperatively. Both of these are significant improvements, and all bone grafts were fused. Complications related to the operation occurred in 31.5% (17/54) of cases. Six cases suffered postoperative aggravated kyphosis deformity, eight cases suffered proximal kyphosis deformity, one case suffered pedicle penetration, one case suffered failure of internal devices, and one case suffered recurrence of tuberculosis.

CONCLUSION

As long as the treatment plan is fully prepared, the surgical option can achieve a satisfactory curative effect in treating juvenile spinal tuberculosis despite some complications.

A thoracic tuberculous spondylodisctis after intravesical BCG immunotherapy of bladder cancer - Case report and literature review

We report a rare case of tuberculosis of the thoracic spine caused by Mycobacterium bovis infection as a complication of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) intravesical immunotherapy, which is a well known and acknowledged treatment of superficial bladder cancers applied since 1976. Although this therapy is broadly used in urology and considered to be safe and well tolerated, one should be aware of the potential local and systemic side effects as in the case of our patient, who developed tuberculous spondylodiscitis after intravesical BCG therapy.

Mycobacterium avium Complex Osteomyelitis in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Case Series and Literature Review

In persons with advanced immunosuppression, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) typically causes disseminated disease with systemic symptoms. We report 2 cases in which MAC caused localized osteomyelitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy with rising CD4 counts. We summarize 17 additional cases of HIV-associated MAC osteomyelitis from the literature and compare CD4 count at presentation for vertebral cases versus nonvertebral cases, which reveals a significantly higher CD4 at presentation for vertebral cases (median 251 cells/µL vs 50 cells/µL; P = .043; Mann-Whitney U test). The literature review demonstrates that the majority of cases of MAC osteomyelitis, especially vertebral, occurs in individuals with CD4 counts that have increased to above 100 cells/µL on antiretroviral therapy. Among HIV-infected individuals with osteomyelitis, MAC should be considered a possible etiology, particularly in the setting of immune reconstitution.

Outcomes and Treatment of Lumbosacral Spinal Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study of 53 Patients

Study Strategy

A retrospective clinic study.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of conservative and surgical treatment for lumbosacral tuberculosis.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 53 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis who were treated in our institution between January 2005 and January 2011. There were 29 males and 24 females with average ages of 37.53 ± 17.28 years (range 6–72 years). 11 patients were given only anti-TB drugs; the remainder underwent anterior debridement, interbody fusion with and without instrumentation, or one-stage anterior debridement combined with posterior instrumentation. Outcome data for these patients included neurologic status, lumbosacral angle, erythrocyte sedimentation rate value(ESR) and C-reactive protein value(CRP) were assessed before and after treatment.

Results

The mean lumbosacral angles were 23.00°± 2.90°in the conservatively treated patients and 22.36°± 3.92o in the surgically treated patients. At the final follow-up, this had improved to 24.10o ± 2.96°in the conservatively treated patients and 28.13° ± 1.93°in the surgically treated patients (all P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences before and after treatment in terms of ESR and CRP (all P < 0.05). All patients achieved bone fusion. The mean follow-up period was 32.34 ± 8.13 months (range 18 to 55 months). The neurological deficit did not worsen in any of the patients.

Conclusions

It has been proven that conservative and surgical treatments are safe and effective and produce good clinical outcomes for patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis. The advantages of operation include thoroughness of debridement, decompression of the spinal cord, and adequate spinal stabilization.

Septic arthritis in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts

Septic arthritis has long been considered an orthopedic emergency. Historically, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Staphylococcus aureus have been the most common causes of septic arthritis worldwide but in the modern era of biological therapy and extensive use of prosthetic joint replacements, the spectrum of microbiological causes of septic arthritis has widened considerably. There are also new approaches to diagnosis but therapy remains a challenge, with a need for careful consideration of a combined medical and surgical approach in most cases.

Spinal infections: clinical and imaging features

Spinal infections represent a group of rare conditions affecting vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, paraspinal soft tissues, epidural space, meninges, and spinal cord. The causal factors, clinical presentations, and imaging features are a challenge because the difficulty to differentiate them from other conditions, such as degenerative and inflammatory disorders and spinal neoplasm. They require early recognition because delay diagnosis, imaging, and intervention may have devastating consequences especially in children and the elderly. This article reviews the most common spinal infections, their pathophysiologic, clinical manifestation, and their imaging findings.

Correlation between Serum Level of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and Postoperative Recurrence of Spinal Tuberculosis in the Chinese Han Population

Objective

To correlate serum level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) with postoperative recurrence of spinal tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

Patients of Han nationality with newly diagnosed spinal tuberculosis were consecutively included in this study. At different time points postoperatively, serum level of MCP-1 was determined using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Recurrence of spinal tuberculosis after surgery and during the follow-up period was recorded. The correlation between serum MCP-1 level and recurrence of spinal tuberculosis was analyzed.

Results

A total of 169 patients with spinal tuberculosis were included in the study and followed up for an average of2.2±1.3 years (range, 1–5 years). Of these patients, 11 had postoperative recurrence of spinal tuberculosis. The patients’ serum level of MCP-1 increased significantly after postoperative recurrence of spinal tuberculosis. Once the symptoms of recurrence were cured, the serum level of MCP-1 decreased significantly and it did not differ from patients without disease recurrence.

Conclusion

Postoperative recurrence of spinal tuberculosis is likely to increase the serum level of MCP-1.

Tuberculosis of the cervical spine

A 25-year-old male state-prisoner presented with altered mental status, right neck pain, and uncontrolled hypertension.