Neurologic Complications, Reoperation, and Clinical Outcomes After Surgery for Vertebral Osteomyelitis

The Impact of Patient Characteristics on Outcomes of Surgically Managed Vertebral Osteomyelitis in the United States: Insights from a National Database Study

This study was conducted to assess the patient characteristics, types of treatment, and outcomes of patients who are surgically treated for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) in the United States. VO can be treated with or without surgical intervention. Surgically treated cases of VO are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and incur major healthcare costs. There are few studies assessing the characteristics and outcomes of patients with VO who are treated surgically, as well as the overall impact of surgically managed VO on the healthcare system of the United States. Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, 44,401 patients were identified who underwent surgical treatment for VO over a fifteen year period. Severity of comorbidity burden was calculated using the Deyo Index (DI). Surgical approach and comorbidities were analyzed in regard to their impact on complications, mortality rate, LOS, and hospitalization charges. The incidence of surgical intervention for patients who had VO increased from 0.6 to 1.1 per U.S. persons over the study period. Surgically treated patients had a mean age of 56 years, were 75.8% white, were 54.5% male, 37.9% carried Medicare insurance, and they had a mean DI of 0.88. Anterior/posterior approach (OR: 3.53), thoracolumbar fusion (OR: 2.69), thoracolumbar fusion (OR: 19.94), and anterior/posterior approach (OR: 64.73) were the surgical factors that most significantly predicted any complication, mortality, increased LOS, and increased hospital charges, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean inflation-adjusted total hospital cost increased from $20,355 to $39,991 per patient over the study period. VO has been steadily increasing in the United States. Incidence and inflation-adjusted costs nearly doubled. Anterior/posterior approach and thoracolumbar fusion most significantly predicted negative outcomes. VO is associated with lengthy and expensive hospital stays resulting in a significant burden to patients and the healthcare system.

Polysegmental and multilevel lesions in hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis: assessment of immediate and long-term results

Objective. To analyze the results of treatment of disseminated (polysegmental and multilevel) forms of hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis (HVO) as compared with those of monosegmental and monovertebral lesions.

Material and Methods. A retrospective analysis of a monocenter cohort of 266 patients with hematogenous osteomyelitis of the spine for 2006 to 2019 was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (polysegmental and multilevel lesions) included 33 (12.4 %) patients and Group B (monosegmental and monovertebral lesions) – 233 (87.6 %) patients. The main examination methods were: clinical, radiological (standardized roentgenography, CT), MRI, microbiological, histological and statistical ones.

Results. Comparison revealed that involvement of the cervical (p < 0.001) and thoracic (p = 0.014) spine was more typical for polysegmental and multilevel lesions. There was a tendency to the predominance of type A lesions according to the Pola classification in patients with local forms (p = 0.078) and to the increase in type C lesions in polysegmental and multilevel processes (p = 0.035). The number of neurological complications was higher in polysegmental and multilevel lesions (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in the treatment results, the number of relapses and mortality rate between the compared groups.

Conclusion. Lesions of the cervical and thoracic spine and the presence of a neurological deterioration are typical for multilevel and polysegmental HVO. The formation of a multilevel lesion in different regions of the spine with a gap of 2–4 weeks or more requires a separate implementation of the diagnostic algorithm, defining of classification criteria and differentiated treatment tactics for each focus.

Endoscopic treatment of spondylodiscitis: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Spondylodiscitis is a severe condition where standalone antibiotic therapy resolves most cases. In refractory infections, open surgery may aid with infection debulking. However, significant morbidity can occur. Nowadays, endoscopic approaches are emerging as an alternative. However, until now, only small-scale studies exist. Being so, we carried the first systematic review on spondylodiscitis endoscopic debridement indications, technique details, and outcomes.

METHODS

Search for all English written original studies approaching the spondylodiscitis endoscopic treatment was performed using PubMed and EBSCO host. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and a pre-specified protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020183657).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies involving 342 participants were included for analysis. Data overall quality was fair. Indications for the endoscopic approach were poorly defined. The most consensual indication was refractory infection to conservative treatment. Spinal instability or neurological deficits were common exclusion criteria. All authors described similar techniques, and despite the frequent severe co-morbidities, procedure morbidity was low. Re-interventions were common. Microorganism identification varied from 54.2 to 90.4%. Treatment failure among studies ranged from 0 to 33%. Pain, functional status, and neurological deficits had satisfactory improvement after procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic debridement of spondylodiscitis seems to be an effective and safe approach for refractory spondylodiscitis. A novel approach with initial endoscopic infection debulking and antibiotic therapy could improve the success of spondylodiscitis treatment.

Pyogenic Vertebral Column Osteomyelitis in Adults: Analysis of Risk Factors for 30-Day and 1-Year Mortality in a Single Center Cohort Study

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Purpose

To describe our experience in the management and outcomes of vertebral column osteomyelitis (VCO), particularly focusing on the risk factors of early and late mortality.

Overview of Literature

Previous reports suggest a global increase in spinal column infections highlighting significant morbidity and mortality. To date, there have been no reports from our local population, and no previous report has assessed the potential relationship of frailty with mortality in a cohort of patients with VCO.

Methods

We reviewed 76 consecutive patients with VCO between 2009 and 2016 in Waikato Hospital, New Zealand. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, and treatment data were collected. Comorbidities were noted to calculate the modified Frailty Index (mFI). Mortality at 30 days and 1 year was recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the predictors of mortality.

Results

The mean age of patients was 64.1 years, with 77.6% being male. Most patients presented with axial back pain (71.1%), with the lumbar spine most commonly affected (46%). A mean of 2.1 vertebral bodies was involved. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism of infection (35.5%), and 15.8% of patients exhibited polymicrobial infection. Twenty patients (26.3%) underwent surgical intervention, which was more likely in patients with concomitant spinal epidural abscess (odds ratio [OR], 4.88) or spondylodiscitis (OR, 3.81). Mortality rate was 5.2% at 30 days and 22.3% at 1 year. The presence of frailty (OR, 13.62) and chronic renal failure (OR, 13.40) elevated the 30-day mortality risk only in univariate analysis. An increase in age (OR, 1.07) and the number of vertebral levels (OR, 2.30) elevated the 1-year mortality risk in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Although the mFI correlated with 30-day mortality in univariate analysis, it was not a significant predictor in multivariate analysis. An increase in age and the number of levels involved elevated the 1-year mortality risk.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Comparison of Associated Outcomes in Early Versus Delayed Surgical Treatment

Background

The recommended timing of surgical intervention for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is controversial; however, most studies are not sufficiently powered. Our goal was to investigate the associated effects of delaying surgery in VO patients on in-hospital complications, neurologic deficits, and mortality.

Methods

Retrospective review of the National Inpatient Sample. Patients who underwent surgery for VO from 1998 to 2013 were identified using codes from the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. Patients were stratified into groups based on incremental delay of surgery: 0-day delay (same-day surgery), 1-day delay, 2-day delay, 3- to 6-day delay, 7- to 14-day delay, and 14- to 30-day delay. Univariate analysis compared demographics and outcomes between groups. Multivariate logistic regression models calculated independent predictors of any complication, mortality, and neurologic deficits. A 0-day delay was the reference group.

Results

A total of 34 465 patients were identified. Delayed groups were older (same day: 53.5 vs. 7-14-day delay: 61.1) and had a higher Deyo-Charlson score (same day: 0.4901 vs. 14-30-day delay: 1.66), length of stay (same day: 4.2 vs. 14-30-day delay: 34.04 days), and total charges (same day: $63,390.78 vs. 14-30-day delay: $245,752.4), all P < .001. Delayed groups had higher surgical combined-approach rates (same day: 9.1% vs. 14-30-day delay: 31.5%) and lower anterior-approach rates (same day: 42.4% vs. 14-30-day delay: 24.2%). Delayed groups had increased mortality and complication rates. Regressions showed delayed groups as the strongest independent indicators of any complication (14-30-day delay: odds ratio [OR] 3.384), mortality (14-30-day delay: OR 10.658), and neurologic deficits (14-30-day delay: OR 3.464), all P < .001.

Conclusion

VO patients who operate within 24 hours of admission are more likely to have desirable outcomes. Patients with delayed surgery had a significantly increased risk of developing any complication, mortality, and discharging with neurologic deficits.

Level of Evidence

III.

Clinical Relevance

Medically fit patients may benefit from earlier surgical management in order to reduce risk of postoperative complications, improve outcomes, and reduce overall hospital costs.

Factors associated with sequelae after treatment of hematogenous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis

OBJECTIVES

Functional disability may persist after completing treatment for hematogenous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (HPVO). The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with residual sequelae after treatment of HPVO.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with HPVO at 5 tertiary-care hospitals between January 2005 and December 2012. Sequelae were defined as an inability to walk without assistance, bladder/bowel incontinence, and/or unresolved pain that required analgesic therapy at 12 months after completing the HPVO treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 279 patients with microbiologically proven HPVO, 79 (28.3%) had sequelae at 12 months posttherapy. Independent risk factors for sequelae were neurologic deficit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.38), recurrence within 12 months (aOR, 2.45), age ≥ 65 years (aOR, 2.05), C-reactive protein level ≥ 10 mg/dL (aOR, 2.01), and epidural/paravertebral abscess (aOR, 2.00). Among 58 patients with neurologic deficit, sequelae rates differed according to the surgical strategy, as follows: 28.6% (early surgery [<48 h]), 55.0% (delayed surgery [≥48 h]), and 66.7% (no surgery) (P = 0.03). Among the 170 patients with abscess, early drainage (<72 h) was an independent protective factor for sequelae (aOR, 0.35). The 12-month recurrence rates differed according to the total duration of antibiotic treatment, as follows: 20.5% (4-6 weeks), 18.4% (6-8 weeks), and 5.2% (≥8 weeks) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of patients with HPVO experienced sequelae after completing treatment. Early surgery for neurologic deficit, early drainage of abscess, and antibiotic therapy of appropriate duration to reduce recurrence may prevent development of sequelae in patients with HPVO.

Epidemiology, Microbiological Diagnosis, and Clinical Outcomes in Pyogenic Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A 10-year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) is rising in incidence, but optimal methods of investigation and duration of antibiotic therapy remain controversial.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of PVO at an Australian teaching hospital. We included all adults with a first episode of PVO between 2006 and 2015. PVO was defined based on the presence of prespecified clinical and radiological criteria. The main exposures of interest were investigation strategy and antibiotic treatment. The main outcome measures were duration of hospital admission, mortality during index admission, symptom resolution during index admission, and attributable readmission within 2 years.

Results

Of 129 included patients, 101 (78%) had a causative organism identified. Patients with an identified pathogen were more likely to be febrile (75% compared with 29%, P < .001) and had a higher mean admission C-reactive protein (207 vs 54, P < .001) compared with patients without an identified pathogen. However, they were less likely to experience an adverse outcome (death or attributable readmission within 2 years; adjusted odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.99; P = .04). Open biopsy of vertebral tissue had a higher diagnostic yield (70%) than fine needle aspirate (41%) or core biopsy (30%). Despite receiving a median of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, only 15% of patients had a full recovery on discharge from index admission.

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes for patients with PVO were poor. Obtaining a microbiological diagnosis is associated with a better outcome. However, prospective and randomized studies are essential to establishing optimal investigation and treatment pathways.

Mortality and health-related quality of life in patients surgically treated for spondylodiscitis

PURPOSE

To assess mortality, disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients surgically treated for spondylodiscitis.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on all patients surgically treated for spondylodiscitis over a 6-year period at a single tertiary spine center. Indications for surgery, pre- and postoperative neurological impairment, comorbidities, and mortality were recorded. A survey was conducted on all eligible patients with the EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were diagnosed with spondylodiscitis not related to recent spine surgery. One-year mortality rate was 6%. In all, 36% and 27% had pre- and postoperative neurological impairment, respectively, with only one patient experiencing deterioration postoperatively. At final follow-up (median 2 years), mean ODI was 31% (SD = 22) and mean EQ-5D time trade-off score was 0.639 (SD = 0.262); this was significantly lower than that in the normal population ( p < 0.001). Patients with neurological impairment prior to index surgery had lower EQ-5D scores ( p = 0.005) and higher ODI ( p = 0.02) at final follow-up compared with patients without neurological impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Several years after surgery, patients surgically treated for spondylodiscitis have significantly lower HRQL and more disability than the background population. Neurological impairment prior to index surgery predicts adverse outcome in terms of disability and lower HRQL.

Examining the association of MMP-1 gene -1607 (2G/1G) and -519 (A/G) polymorphisms with the risk of osteomyelitis: A case-control study

To investigate the effects of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) gene polymorphisms on the onset of osteomyelitis in Chinese Han population.In all, 80 osteomyelitis patients (case group) and 81 healthy people (control group) were recruited into this case-control study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was utilized to examine the genotypes of MMP-1 polymorphisms (-1607 2G/1G and -519A/G) in the 2 groups. Genotype and allele differences between the case and control groups were analyzed by chi-square test. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to present the association strength between MMP-1 gene polymorphisms and osteomyelitis.Frequencies of -1607 2G/2G genotype between the case and control groups were statistically significant (P = .025). Compared with 1G/1G genotype carriers, the 2G/2G genotype carriers had 1.605 times risk of developing osteomyelitis (OR 2.605, 95% CI 1.116-6.082). Meanwhile, the 2G allele significantly associated with the risk of osteomyelitis (OR 1.735, 95% CI 1.115-2.701). In addition, frequency of -519GG genotype was obviously higher in case group than that in control group (P = .024), and GG genotype related to an increased risk of osteomyelitis (OR 2.792, 95% CI 1.127-6.917). Whereas, the -519G allele may be a susceptible factor for osteomyelitis (OR 1.622, 95% CI 1.038-2.536).The MMP-1 -1607 (2G/1G) and -519 (A/G) polymorphisms may contribute to the onset of osteomyelitis.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis Due to Granulicatella Adiacens, a Nutritionally Variant Streptococci

Vertebral osteomyelitis is a common pathology affecting the spine. We present the case of a 46-year-old male who was diagnosed with progressive L2 vertebral osteomyelitis due to a rare pathogen, Granulicatella adiacens. Granulicatella adiacens is part of the normal body flora and is often difficult to culture on traditional mediums. The patient required a lateral corpectomy and posterior fixation for spinal stabilization and source control.