An Analysis of Patients with Single and Combined Pyogenic Spinal Infections / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pyogenic spinal infection encompasses a broad range of clinical entities, treatment and prognosis. We compared the symptoms and treatment efficacy of patients with single and combined spinal infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2001 and November 2006, 30 patients with pyogenic spinal infections were treated in our hospital and outcomes were evaluated through ESR, CRP, and clinical improvement. Groups 1 and 2 represented patients with single lesions and patients with combined lesions, respectively. RESULTS: Group 1 included 7 men and 8 women, and the preoperative mean ESR and CRP were 62.7 mm/hr and 5.7 mg/dl. The most common clinical presentation was back pain. Nine patients in group 1 underwent operation, and two underwent instrumentation. Group 2 included 4 men and 11 women, and the preoperative mean ESR and CRP were 78.5 mm/hr and 16.7 mg/dl. The most common clinical presentations were back pain and fever. Thirteen patients in group 2 underwent operation, and six underwent instrumentation. There were more underlying diseases in group 2. CONCLUSION: There were more underlying diseases and higher preoperative inflammatory-reactive laboratory findings in patients with combined spinal infections. Careful attention must be directed to treatment in order to secure favorable clinical outcomes in patients with combined infections.