Osteomyelitis is an infection that attacks the bones of the spine. Infections reach these bones via the bloodstream or from surrounding tissue. E. coli and Staph are bacteria that spread to the spine through the bloodstream. Infected vertebral bodies result in cracks in the bones that comprise the spinal column. Spinal infections result in nerve pain and lead to the collection of pus (abscess).
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal infections progress over time. It may take anywhere between three days or a few months to notice symptoms.
Signs of spinal infections include:
Other signs of the condition include:
- Back pain that worsens at night
- Stiff neck
- Limited range of motion
- Redness at the site of an incision
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of spinal infections involves thorough laboratory work and imaging tests. X-rays show signs of bone and disc height deterioration. An MRI is at times necessary as it reveals spinal disc degeneration.
Lab work involves a detailed examination of white blood cell count markers. When these markers are at a high rate, it is highly likely that there is a spinal infection present.
Treatment
Intravenous antibiotics and bracing are the first stages of treatment of spinal infections.
Other treatment options include
Laminectomy: A laminectomy is necessary to treat abscessed spinal infections. The spinal canal is an essential channel that contains the spinal cord and nerve roots. An abscess puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It is for this reason that a laminectomy is necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal canal. Your surgeon removes the backdoor of the vertebrae and lamina and makes more room for the spinal cord. When an abscess impairs neurological function and leads to incontinence, it needs to be drained. The surgeon drains the abscess and orders a culture to ensure that the medication he prescribes will treat the organism.
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF): ALIF is another surgical technique used to treat spinal infections. Your surgeon will dissect the source of infection and perform a spinal fusion to stabilise the vertebrae.
Kyphoplasty: Kyphoplasty is surgery to treat cracked vertebrae as a result of infection. The surgeon inflates a surgical balloon in the vertebral crevice and raises the vertebrae to their original height. He fills the space with bone cement and waits for it to dry up.
“Once you choose hope, anything is possible”.
CHRISTOPHER REEVE