ABSTRACT

Objective:

The aim of the study is to reveal the etiological and epidemiological characteristics of frequently observed spinal infections.

Material and Method:

The patients who applied and diagnosed with spinal infection to Neurosurgery Polyclinics between 2013 and 2018 were investigated. The age, sex, radiological examinations, neurological consultations, medical treatments and comorbidities of the patients were evaluated. The cases were divided into 3 groups as tuberculosis, brucella and other pyogenic factors. The vertebra segment involved and the surrounding bone, neural and soft tissue dispersion of infection were analyzed.

Results:

The study was made with 75 cases, in total, and consisted of 26 (34.7 %) females and 49 (65.3 %) males. The ages of the cases varied between 19 and 85 and the average was 59.32 ± 16.14 years. The abscess rate of the cases was observed to be 70.7 % (n=53), and was found in paraspinal, epidural and psoas areas of 52.8 % (n=28), 32.1 % (n=17) and 15.1 % (n=8) of the patients, respectively. In consequence of the analysis, we observed the factor to be 57.3 % (n=43) pyogenic, 28.0 % (n=21) tuberculosis, and 14.7 % (n=11) brucella.

Conclusion:

Spinal infections are highly morbid, prevalent and destructive infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary in order to preserve spinal stability and neurological function. Spinal infections are generally medically treated with antibiotics. However, debridement and intervertebral fusion are generally practiced in order to support healing, restrict neurological deterioration and ensure spinal stability in case surgical intervention is indicated.