Clinical Study of Salmonella Spondylitis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

13 cases of salmonella spondylitis were experienced for 4 years since 1973 and are reviewed with follow-up of 12 months period in average. All cases had febrile disease for 1 to 4 weaks and the symptoms of spondylitis started at febrile stage in 4 cases and at convalescent stage in 9 cases. The pathologic lesions found on x-rays involved 2 to 3 vertebral bodies mostly in middle lumbar spines ranging from thoracolumbar junction to lumbosacral junction. Needle aspirations for the spinal lesions were tried in 9 cases and salmonella typhi group “D” was identified in 5 cases. Needle aspiration was safe, simple, and valuable diagnostic method. Diagnosis of the other cases ware made clinically. It was difficult to differentiate from tuberculous spondylitis or pyogenic spondylitis, but there was some differential points in history, physical findings, laboratory and x-ray findings. All cases responded well to conservative treatments with antibiotics and immobilization and no case indicated surgery.