Infectious Spondylitis Mimicking Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Report of Two Cases

STUDY DESIGN: Case study of two cases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to describe the rare MR imaging patterns of infectious spondylitis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: It is generally accepted that the intravertebral cleft sign is not shown in cases of infection or malignancy, and thus, its recognition can obviate unnecessary imaging or biopsy because of its benign significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients are presented who developed worsening back pain after a minor trauma. Preoperative MR images of these patients showed intravertebral fluid and benign vertebral compression fractures. Anterior decompression and fusion were done and the bacteria isolated from the intraoperative cultures were Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. RESULTS: After 2 years of follow-up, the patients were free of pain, without signs of infection, and showed correct fusion. CONCLUSIONS: MR findings in infectious spondylitis may simulate the patterns of osteoporotic VCFs.

Definition, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Treatment of Kummell's Disease / 대한골다공증학회지

Over 100 years ago, Hermann Kummell described a clinical condition in which patients sustained a trivial trauma, had essentially asymptomatic period lasting weeks to months, then developed a painful, progressive angular kyphosis. Since then, many post-traumatic delayed kyphosis have been reported as a Kummell's disease. As a radiologic finding of intravertebral cleft sign was related to this delayed collapse, this abnormal gas or fluid signal in the involved vertebral body was considered as a pathognomic sign. However, recent evidences indicate this delayed progressive collapse and kyphosis of the spine is related to osteoporotic spine fracture in many reports. At this point, by defining and reviewing the definition and etiology of Kummell's disease, we have to look into whether Kummell's disease is a distinct or rare pathophysiologic entity or a complicated clinical result of osteoporotic spine fracture. In this review, author tried to clearly define the definition and diagnosis criteria to diagnose Kummell's disease as a complicated osteoporotic spine fracture and review treatment modalities for this complicated clinical condition.