Direct lateral retroperitoneal approach for the surgical treatment of lumbar discitis and osteomyelitis

Use of Patient-Specific Interbody Cages Through a Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach for Unstable Lumbar Spondylodiskitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with diskitis/osteomyelitis who do not respond to medical treatment or develop spinal instability/deformity may warrant surgical intervention. Irregular bony destruction due to the infection can pose a challenge for spinal reconstruction. The authors report a lateral approach using patient-specific interbody cages combined with posterior or lateral instrumentation to achieve spinal reconstruction for spinal instability/deformity from spondylodiskitis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 4 cases undergoing debridement, lateral lumbar interbody fusion using patient-specific interbody cages, and supplemental lateral or posterior instrumentation for spinal instability/deformity after spondylodiskitis. The surgical technique is reported, as are the clinical and imaging outcomes.

RESULTS

Four male patients with a mean age of 69 years comprised this study. One had lateral lumbar interbody fusion at L2/3 and 3 at L4/5. The mean hospital stay was 5.8 days. The mean follow-up was 8.5 months (range 6-12 months). There were no approach-related neurological injuries or complications. The mean visual analog scale back pain scores improved from 9.5 to 1.5, and the mean Oswestry disability index improved from 68.5 to 23 at the end of the follow-up. The mean lumbar lordosis increased from 18° to 51°. The segmental angle increased from 6.5° to 18°. The coronal shift was 2.8 cm preoperatively and 0.9 cm postoperatively. The coronal Cobb angle reduced from 8.8° preoperatively to 2.8° postoperatively. On postoperative computed tomography, all patients had interval development of bridging bone across the surgical level through or around the cage. None of them developed cage migration or subsidence.

CONCLUSION

Patients with irregular bony destruction due to diskitis/osteomyelitis may benefit from patient-specific cages for spinal reconstruction to address spinal instability and deformity.

Spinal Navigation for Lateral Instrumentation of the Thoracolumbar Spine

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Three-dimensional imaging-based navigation in spine surgery is mostly applied for pedicle screw placement. However, its potential reaches beyond. In this study, we analyzed the incorporation of spinal navigation for lateral instrumentation of the thoracolumbar spine in clinical routine at a high-volume spine center.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for lateral instrumentation were prospectively enrolled. A reference array was attached to the pelvis, and a computed tomography scan was acquired intraoperatively. A control computed tomography scan was routinely performed after final cage placement, replacing conventional 2-dimensional X-ray imaging.

RESULTS

145 cases were enrolled from April to October 2021 with a median of 1 (1-4) level being instrumented. Indications for surgery were trauma (35.9%), spinal infection (31.7%), primary and secondary tumors of the spine (17.2%), and degenerative spine disease (15.2%). The duration of surgery after the first scan was 98 ± 41 (20-342) minutes. In total, 190 cages were implanted (94 expandable cages for vertebral body replacement (49.5%) and 96 cages for interbody fusion [50.5%]). Navigation was successfully performed in 139 cases (95.9%). The intraoperative mental load was rated on a scale from 0 to 150 (maximal effort) by the surgeons, showing a moderate effort (median 30 [10-120]).

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional imaging-based spinal navigation can easily be incorporated in clinical routine and serves as a reliable tool to achieve precise implant placement in lateral instrumentation of the spine. It helps to minimize radiation exposure to the surgical staff.

Clinical outcomes, MRI evaluation and predictive factors of indirect decompression with lateral transpsoas approach for lumbar interbody fusion: a multicenter experience

Introduction

Evaluating the effects of indirect decompression obtained through lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) by clinical improvements and radiological parameters on MRI scans. Identifying predictors of better decompression and clinical outcome.

Materials and methods

From 2016 to 2019, patients who underwent single- or double-level indirect decompression LLIF were consecutively reviewed. Radiological signs of indirect decompression were evaluated in preoperative and follow-up MRI studies and were subsequently correlated to clinical data, expressed as axial/radicular pain (VAS back/leg), index of disability (Oswestry Disability Index) and clinical severity of lumbar stenosis (Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire).

Results

72 patients were enrolled. The mean follow-up was 24 months. Differences in vertebral canal area (p < 0.001), height of the foramina (p < 0.001), thickness of the yellow ligament (p = 0.001) and anterior height of the interbody space (p = 0.02) were observed. Older age (p = 0.042), presence of spondylolisthesis (p = 0.042), presence of intra-articular facet effusion (p = 0.003) and posterior height of the implanted cage (p = 0.020) positively affected the increase of the canal area. Change in root canal area (p < 0.001), height of the implanted cage (p = 0.020) and younger age (p = 0.035) were predictive factors of root pain relief, while increased vertebral canal area (p = 0.020) and height of the interbody fusion cage (p = 0.023) positively affected the severity of clinical stenosis.

Conclusions

LLIF indirect decompression showed both clinical and radiological improvements. Presence and degree of spondylolisthesis, presence of intra-articular facet effusion, age of the patient and height of the cage were predictive factors of major clinical improvements.

Quality of Life Following Surgical and Conservative Therapy of Pyogenic Spinal Infection: A Study of Long-term Outcome in 210 Patients

OBJECT

 The management and recommendations for treatment strategies of pyogenic spinal infection are still a highly controversial issue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient's quality of life (QoL) after surgical and conservative treatment of spinal infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 We conducted a retrospective, single-center study. All patients treated between 2009 and 2016 were included in this study. For evaluation of QoL, we recorded each patient's satisfaction according to the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Scores were compared with a U.S. standard population.

RESULTS

 Two hundred and ten adult patients with spondylodiskitis were identified. Of these, 155 (74%) underwent surgery and 55 (26%) were treated conservatively. The mean overall age was 68.6 (23-98) years. Seventy-two patients were females and 138 patients were males. The mean outcome values in the surgical group did not reach the level of the normative sample in one of eight items, whereas the conservative group revealed a reduced QoL in all items. Intergroup comparison revealed significant differences in all items (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 In the patient population we investigated, QoL in surgically treated patients was better than that in conservatively managed patients.

A New Treatment Algorithm That Incorporates Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spines: The Results of Its Clinical Application to a Series of 34 Patients

Background and Objectives: Spinal minimally invasive surgery (MIS) experts at the university hospital worked as a team to develop a new treatment algorithm for pyogenic spondylodiscitis in lumbar and thoracic spines. They modified a flow chart introduced for this condition in a pre-MIS era to incorporate MIS techniques based on their extensive experiences accumulated over the years, both in MIS for degenerative lumbar diseases and in the treatment of spine infections. The MIS procedures incorporated in this algorithm consisted of percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS)–rod fixation and transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). The current study analyzed a series of 34 patients treated with prospective selection of the methods according to this new algorithm. Materials and Methods: The algorithm first divided the patients into those who had escaped complicated disease conditions, such as neurologic impairment, extensive bone destruction, and the need to be mobilized without delay (Group 1) (19), and those with complicated pyogenic spondylodiscitis (Group 2) (15). Group 1 had image-guided needle biopsy followed by conservative treatment alone with antibiotics and a spinal brace (12) (Group 1-A) or a subsequent addition of non-fused PPS–rod fixation (7) (Group 1-B). Group 2 underwent an immediate single-stage MIS with non-fused PPS–rod fixation followed by posterior exposure for decompression and debridement through a small midline incision (12) (Group 2-A) or an additional LLIF procedure after an interval of 3 weeks (3) (Group 2-B). Results: All patients, except four, who either died from causes unrelated to the spondylodiscitis (2) or became lost to follow up (2), were cured of infection with normalized CRP at an average follow up of 606 days (105–1522 days). A solid interbody fusion occurred at the affected vertebrae in 15 patients (50%). Of the patients in Group 2, all but two regained a nearly normal function. Despite concerns about non-fused PPS–rod instrumentation, only seven patients (21%) required implant removal or replacement. Conclusions: Non-fused PPS–rod placements into infection-free vertebrae alone or in combination with posterior debridement through a small incision worked effectively in providing local stabilization without contamination of the metal implant from the infected tissue. MIS LLIF allowed for direct access to the infected focus for bone grafting in cases of extensive vertebral body destruction.

The Limitation of Endoscopic Surgery Using the Full Endoscopic Discectomy System for the Treatment of Destructive Stage Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis: A Case Series

Introduction

Conservative therapy, including appropriate antibiotics and bracing, is usually adequate for most patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis. If conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention is needed. However, major spinal surgery comprising anterior debridement and accompanying bone grafting with or without additional instrumentation is often related to undesired postoperative complications. In recent years, with minimally invasive surgery, the diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopic lavage and drainage has been proven. This study reports a case series of patients who required open revision surgery after treatment with endoscopic surgery using the full endoscopic discectomy system (FED), indicating the surgical limitations of endoscopic surgery for pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 4 patients who underwent open debridement and anterior reconstruction with posterior instrumentation following endoscopic surgery for their advanced lumbar infectious spondylitis. They had been receiving conservative treatment with antibiotics for 12–15 days. They also had various comorbidities, including kidney disease, heart failure, and diabetes. Numerical rating scale pain response, perioperative imaging studies, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined, and causative bacteria were identified. Primarily, the bone destruction stage was classified using computed tomography with reference to Griffiths' scheme.

Results

All patients had severe back pain before surgery with no relief of the pain after FED. Increased pain, including radicular pain after FED, was noted in one case. Causative pathogens from biopsy specimens were identified in 3 (75%) of the 4 cases. In preoperative radiological evaluation, all cases were classified as destructive stage in Griffiths' scheme. The CRP levels of all the patients decreased slightly after endoscopic surgery. Relapse of spinal infection after revision surgery was not noted in any patient during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The surgical treatment of destructive-stage spondylitis with FED alone can increase low back pain due to aggressive debridement.

Navigation and Robotic-Assisted Single-Position Prone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Technique, Feasibility, Safety, and Case Series

BACKGROUND

Single-position prone lateral interbody fusion is a recently introduced technical modification of the minimally invasive retroperitoneal transpsoas approach for lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). Several technical descriptions of single-position prone LLIF have been published with traditional fluoroscopy for guidance. However, there has been no investigation of either three-dimensional computed tomography-based navigation for prone LLIF or integration with robotic assistance platforms with the prone lateral technique. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of spinal navigation and robotic assistance for single-position prone LLIF.

METHODS

Retrospective review of medical records and a prospectively acquired database for a single center was performed to examine immediate and 30-day clinical and radiographic outcomes for consecutive patients undergoing single-position prone LLIF with spinal navigation and/or robotic assistance.

RESULTS

Nine patients were treated, 4 women and 5 men. Mean age was 65.4 years (range, 46-75 years), and body mass index was 30.2 kg/m² (range, 24-38 kg/m²). The most common surgical indication was adjacent segment disease (44.4%), followed by pseudarthrosis (22.2%), spondylolisthesis (11.1%), degenerative disc disease (11.1%), and recurrent stenosis (11.1%). Postoperative approach-related complications included pain-limited bilateral hip flexor weakness (4/5) and pain-limited left knee extension weakness (4/5) in 1 patient (11.1%) and right lateral thigh numbness and dysesthesia in 1 patient (11.1%). All cages were placed within quarters 2-3, signifying the middle portion of the disc space. There were no instances of misguidance by navigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Integration of spinal navigation and robotic assistance appears feasible, accurate, and safe as an alternative to fluoroscopic guidance for single-position LLIF.

Anterior Spinal Fusion Using Autologous Bone Grafting via the Lateral Approach with Posterior Short-Range Instrumentation for Lumbar Pyogenic Spondylitis with Vertebral Bone Destruction Enables Early Ambulation and Prevents Spinal Deformity

Introduction

Pyogenic spondylitis of the lumbar spine markedly decreases the ability to perform activities of daily living and causes severe low back pain. The challenge is to improve low back pain and activities of daily living performance earlier and prevent post-infection sequelae, and conservative treatment with antibiotics is the mainstay of treatment.

Methods

In the present study, patients who were unable to walk following lumbar pyogenic spondylitis even in the subacute phase after successful infection control, showing bone defects expanding from endplate to vertebral body in CT, were treated with posterior percutaneous short-range instrumentation and anterior autogenous bone grafting (group S, n = 10) or with conservative treatment alone (group C, n = 10). Acute cases of absolute surgical indication with paralytic symptoms and mild cases who could walk by antibiotics administration were excluded. The two groups were compared regarding the post-treatment change in C-reactive protein level, duration of bed rest, and post-infection local spinal deformities (local scoliosis angle in the coronal plane and local kyphosis angle in the sagittal plane).

Results

Compared with group C, group S took a significantly shorter time for the C-reactive protein level to return to normal and required a significantly shorter duration of bed rest. Furthermore, surgery prevented the formation of kyphosis and scoliosis, while group C developed local kyphosis.

Conclusions

The minimally invasive surgical method of posterior percutaneous short-range instrumentation and anterior autogenous bone grafting effectively enables early control of pain and maintenance of locomotive function and prevents spinal deformity in patients with lumbar pyogenic spondylitis in the subacute phase with advanced vertebral bone destruction.

Osteomyelitis-Discitis at the Thoracolumbar Junction and the Development of Postinfectious Spinal Deformity: A Surgical Case Series

BACKGROUND

Progressive spinal deformity and neural compromise are the main indications for surgical management of vertebral osteomyelitis-discitis. However, when such pathology presents at the thoracolumbar (TL) junction, it remains unclear what the appropriate intervention is. The therapeutic dilemmas of decompression with or without instrumented fusion, the need for circumferential decompression and reconstruction, as well as the prognostic factors for progression of kyphosis, all remained ill-defined in the literature. The objective of this study is to evaluate risk factors for instrumentation at TL junction in spinal osteomyelitis-discitis.

METHODS

A review of patients at a single center with osteomyelitis-discitis at the TL junction between 2014 and 2018 was performed. Patients were 18 years or older with infectious pathologies at T10 to L2.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were included. Indication for instrumentation included progression of kyphosis following prior laminectomy/medical management. Of the 16 patients, 4 patients received laminectomy at initial treatment versus 12 patients receiving medical management alone. All 4 patients receiving laminectomy experienced progressive kyphosis requiring revision with instrumented fusion versus only 4 of 12 of the medically managed. Laminectomy, epidural compression, and vertebral body collapse were significant risk factors for kyphosis progression requiring instrumentation. The average time to surgical intervention for the indication of progressive kyphosis was 2.6 months after prior laminectomy and 6 months after initiation of medical management.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the proclivity for kyphotic deformity at the TL junction, patients may benefit from long segment instrumentation in addition to decompression at the initial surgery. Laminectomy alone may hasten kyphosis progression.

Surgical Treatment With Thoracic Pedicle Screw Fixation of Vertebral Osteomyelitis With Long-Term Follow-up

BACKGROUND

While recent data has demonstrated the utility of lumbar pedicle screws for the treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis, the data are limited for thoracic pedicle screws.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of thoracic pedicle screws for the surgical treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all operations performed by 2 spinal neurosurgeons from 1999 to 2012 yielded 30 cases of vertebral osteomyelitis that were treated with thoracic pedicle screws. Sixteen (53%) of which underwent combined anterior and posterior fusion and 14 patients (47%) underwent standalone posterior fusion. Postoperative records were analyzed for pertinent clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data.

RESULTS

Of the 30 patients, 21 were males (70%), 8 were females (27%), and 1 was transsexual (3%). The mean age was 47 yr (range 18-69). The most common organism cultured was Staphylococcus aureus in 12 cases (50%). The mean patient stay in the hospital was 12.4 d after surgery (range 5-38 d). The mean antibiotic duration after discharge was 8 wk (range 1-24 wk). Of the 25 patients with long-term follow-up (mean, 49 mo), 92% had improved back pain (6/25 marked improvement, 17/25 complete resolution), 83% had improved muscle weakness (8/18 marked improvement, 7/18 complete resolution), and 100% had improved urinary incontinence (3/8 marked improvement, 5/8 complete resolution). Two patients (7%) required additional surgical revision due to instrumentation failure or wound infection.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the efficacy of utilizing thoracic pedicle screws as a primary intervention to treat vertebral osteomyelitis.

Adaptation and limitation of anterior column reconstruction for pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine

BACKGROUND

Surgical strategy for pyogenic spondylitis is controversial when vertebral body erosion is severe. Radical debridement and anterior column reconstruction is indicated for the purpose of early ambulatory to prevent secondary complication for long bed rest. However, such aggressive debridement and risk of perioperative complications are trade-off. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factor of poor prognosis after anterior column debridement and reconstruction for pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 40 patients diagnosed with pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine who were introduced to our institution due to losing ambulatory ability and underwent anterior column debridement and reconstruction between January 2008 and May 2016. After the patient population was split into a regaining ambulatory group (Group A; n = 23) and a poor prognosis group (Group P; n = 17), we used Fisher exact tests and t-tests as appropriate for univariate analyses to compare patient characteristics and outcomes between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that the significant variables were massive bleeding (>2000 ml) (P < 0.01), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (P = 0.01), and two-stage surgery needed (P = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with poor prognosis were massive bleeding (Odds Ratio 11.9; 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 119.7; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Massive bleeding was associated with poor prognosis after debridement followed by anterior column reconstruction for pyogenic spondylitis in lower thoracic and lumbar spine.

Evaluation and Management of Pyogenic and Tubercular Spine Infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the most current diagnostic tools and treatment options for pyogenic and tubercular spine infection.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have focused on risk factors for failed nonoperative management in order to improve patient selection. Also, spine instrumentation and different grafting options have been safely utilized in the setting of an active infection without increasing the incidence of reoccurrence. However, the optimal surgical technique has yet to be established and instead should be patient specific. Spine infections include a broad spectrum of disorders including discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, and spinal epidural abscess. It is paramount to recognized spine infections early due to the potential catastrophic consequences of paralysis and sepsis. The management of spine infections continues to evolve as newer diagnostic tools and surgical techniques become available. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast is the imaging study of choice and computed tomography-guided biopsies are crucial for guiding antibiotic selection. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment and surgery is indicated in patients with neurological deficits, sepsis, spinal instability, and those who have failed nonoperative treatment.

Clinical outcomes of percutaneous suction aspiration and drainage for the treatment of infective spondylodiscitis with paravertebral or epidural abscess

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Patients with infective spondylodiscitis who failed conservative treatment are generally indicated for open surgery. However, some patients are poor candidates for standard surgery, hence the need to evaluate less invasive approaches. Good outcomes were previously reported for percutaneous suction aspiration and drainage (PSAD) in the treatment of infective spondylodiscitis resistant to conservative therapy. We recently extended the surgical approach of PSAD to allow drainage of paravertebral or epidural abscesses in patients with progressive infective spondylodiscitis.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of PSAD for infective spondylodiscitis with paravertebral or epidural abscess.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients with infective spondylodiscitis and associated epidural or paravertebral abscess treated using PSAD at our institution, between 1998 and 2014.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and imaging data obtained via plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were analyzed. Serum measurements were taken preoperatively and at several time points postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified MacNab criteria for overall functional mobility.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the patients' case notes, radiological images, and medical records. Student t test was used to assess the relevance of changes in serum levels of CRP and ESR at each evaluated time point, as well as the change in sagittal Cobb angle between the preoperative state and the state at final follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients (31 men and 21 women; average age, 70.6 years) were included in our analysis. The median (range) CRP levels and ESR values at the time of diagnosis were 6.86 (0.04-20.15) mg/dL and 78.8 (26-120) mm/h, respectively. At 1 year postoperatively, these values had decreased to 0.18 (0.0-1.2) mg/dL and 13.8 (4-28) mm/h for CRP and ESR, respectively. At final follow-up, bone union was observed in 80.8% (42 of 52) of patients, with instability identified in five patients. Regarding functional mobility, excellent outcomes were obtained in 26.9% (14 of 52) of patients, whereas good, fair, and poor outcomes were noted in 42.3% (22 of 52), 3.9% (2 of 52), and 26.9% (14 of 52) of patients, respectively. Overall, treatment was considered effective in 69.2% (36 of 52) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous suction aspiration and drainage can serve as an effective alternative to open surgery for the treatment of patients with progressive infective spondylodiscitis and associated paravertebral or epidural abscess.

Clinical and Radiographic Results of a Minimally Invasive Lateral Transpsoas Approach for Treatment of Septic Spondylodiscitis of the Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine

BACKGROUND

The minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach allows retroperitoneal access for discectomy and graft placement. However, the procedure has rarely been used for the treatment of septic spondylodiscitis. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes from this minimally invasive procedure for septic spondylodiscitis.

METHODS

Thirty-one consecutive patients (17 males and 14 females) were included in this study from July 2013 to January 2016. Clinical outcomes were assessed by Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale, modified Macnab criteria, and inflammatory parameters. Radiographic results were analyzed by studying the changes in diseased disc height, lordosis, and fusion status.

RESULTS

The Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale score improved by 58% and 69% at the last follow-up. The modified Macnab criteria were found to be excellent in 21 patients (68%) and good in 10 (32%). Inflammatory parameters normalized over the average 24 months follow-up. There were no major complications that might have influenced the outcomes in this cohort. A complete fusion after 12 months was achieved in 87% of patients. A mean 7.5 mm restoration in disc height and 6.4° restoration in lumbar lordosis were observed in all patients, whereas an average 4.5 mm loss in restored height resulting from graft subsidence was observed in 24 patients during the follow-up. However, graft subsidence did not influence clinical outcomes significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach in combination with instrumentation provides a novel treatment for patients with septic spondylodiscitis without severe kyphosis and neurologic impairment.

Lateral lumbar retroperitoneal transpsoas approach in the setting of spondylodiscitis: A technical note

Thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis is a morbid disease entity, impacting a sick patient population with multiple comorbidities. Wherever possible, surgical measures in this population should limit the extent of soft tissue disruption and overall morbidity that is often associated with anteroposterior thoracolumbar decompression and fusion. The authors describe the rationale, technique, and use of the lateral lumbar transpsoas retroperitoneal approach in tandem with posterior decompression and instrumented fusion in the treatment of circumferential thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis with or without epidural abscesses. The authors have routinely implemented the lateral lumbar transpsoas retroperitoneal approaches to address all pyogenic vertebral abscesses, spondylodiscitis, and ventral epidural abscesses with anterior column debridement and reconstruction with iliac crest autograft, posterior decompression, and pedicle screw instrumentation. In five consecutive patients, the mean blood loss and operative duration was 275mL and 259min, respectively. There were no instances of major vascular injury as this corridor obviates the need for retraction of inflamed retroperitoneal structures. The use of the lumbar lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine for the treatment of destructive and pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a potential alternative to the traditional anterior lumbar retroperitoneal approach in tandem with posterior spinal decompression and instrumented stabilization.

The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the management of pyogenic spinal discitis

Background:

Diagnostic yields for spondylodiscitis from CT guided biopsy is low. In the recent years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has shown to have a low morbidity and faster recovery. For spinal infections, MIS surgery may offer an opportunity for early pain control while obtaining a higher diagnostic yield than CT-guided biopsies. The aim of this study was to review our patients who underwent MIS surgery for spinal infection and report outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective review of seven patients who underwent MIS decompression and/or discectomy in the setting of discitis, osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis, and/or an epidural abscess was identified. Patient data including symptoms, visual analog score (VAS), surgical approach, antibiotic regimen, and postoperative outcomes were obtained.

Results:

Of the 7 patients, 5 patients had lumbar infections and two had thoracic infections. All seven patients improved in VAS immediately after surgery and at discharge. The average VAS improved by 4.4 ± 1.9 points. An organism was obtained in 6 of the 7 (85%) patients by the operative cultures. All patients made an excellent clinical recovery without the need for further spine surgery. All patients who received postoperative imaging on follow-up showed complete resolution or dramatically improved magnetic resonance imaging changes. The follow-up ranged from 2 to 9 months.

Conclusions:

MIS surgery provides an opportunity for early pain relief in patients with discitis, osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis, and/or epidural abscess by directly addressing the primary cause of pain. MIS surgery for discitis provides a higher diagnostic yield to direct antibiotic treatment. MIS surgery results in good long-term recovery.

Pyogenic lumbar spondylodiscitis treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: safety and outcomes

PURPOSE

Our aim was to study the safety and outcomes of posterior instrumentation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for treating pyogenic lumbar spondylodiscitis.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on prospectively collected data of 27 consecutive cases of lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis treated with posterior instrumentation and TLIF between January 2009 and December 2012. Cases were analysed for safety, radiological and clinical outcomes of transforaminal interbody fusion using bone graft ± titanium cages. Interbody metallic cages with bone graft were used in 17 cases and ten cases used only bone graft. Indications for surgical treatment were failed conservative management in 17, neurodeficit in six and significant bony destruction in four.

RESULTS

There were no cases reporting cage migration, loosening, pseudoarthrosis or recurrence of infection at a mean follow-up of 30 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Kirkaldy-Willis criteria, which showed 14 excellent, nine good, three fair and one poor result. Mean focal deformity improved with the use of bone graft ± interbody cages, and the deformity correction was maintained at final follow-up. Mean pre-operative focal lordosis for the graft group was 8.5° (2-16.5°), which improved to 10.9 °(3.3-16°); mean pre-operative focal lordosis in the group treated with cages was 6.7 °(0-15°), which improved to 7°(0-15°) .

CONCLUSION

TLIFs with cages in patients with pyogenic lumbar spondylodiscitis allows for acceptable clearance of infection, satisfactory deformity correction with low incidence of cage migration, loosening and infection recurrence.