Spontaneous spinal discitis and spondylodiscitis: Clinicotherapeutic remarks

Abstract

Spinal infections are rare (their incidence is estimated in about the 5% of all osteomyelitis) and severe pathologies. They are usually identified with different names, as disk space infection, spondylodiscitis, and vertebral osteomyelitis. Spondylodiscitis is the most frequent among spinal infections. The etiology might be due to bacteria, fungi, and parasites and might affect many anatomical structures. The reported incidence is increased in the last years.[1,2] The disease can be classified according to the involved anatomical structure: Vertebral osteomyelitis Discitis and spondylodiscitis Spinal canal infections Adjacent soft tissue infections. In adult patients, the terms osteomyelitis and spondylodiscitis can be considered as more appropriate since an isolated discitis is rarely an isolated entity,[3] but in pediatric patients, it can be occasionally found.[4] The diagnosis might be challenging, often causing a delay in the identification of the pathology. On the basis of a clinical suspicion, the diagnosis can be formulated with a rational use of radiological, microbiological, and bioptic examinations.