Nicolas H. von der Hoeh

Single-Stage Epidural Catheter Lavage with Posterior Spondylodesis in Lumbar Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis with Multilevel Epidural Abscess Formation

BACKGROUND Despite significant advances in the conservative management of pyogenic spondylodiscitis, consecutive instability, deformity, and/or neurologic compromise demands a prompt surgical intervention. However, in rare cases involving additional multilevel epidural abscess formation, the appropriate surgical strategy remains controversial. In this retrospective cohort analyses, we evaluated the efficacy of a single-stage posterior approach with the addition of a one-time multilevel epidural lavage via the surgically exposed interlaminar fenestration of the infected segment. METHODS From January 2009 through December 2010, 73 patients presenting pyogenic spondylodiscitis with instability of the lumbar spine were admitted. In all cases, the surgical strategy included a radical resection of the affected intervertebral disc and stabilization by intervertebral fusion using a titanium cage with autologous bone grafting in a level-dependent posterior approach with additional pedicle screw-and-rod instrumentation. In cases where multilevel abscess formation was evident, the standard surgical procedure was complemented by drainage and irrigation of the abscess from posterior by carefully advancing a soft infant feeding tube via the surgically exposed epidural space under fluoroscopic guidance. All patients received complementary oral antibiotic therapy for 12 weeks and were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS Ten patients (three male and seven female patients; mean age: 64.9 ± 10.9 years) presented with an additional lumbar epidural abscess extending beyond three levels proximal or distal to the infected disc. In all 10 patients the laboratory-chemical inflammatory parameters (leukocyte count, C-reactive protein) remained within the physiologic range after completing antibiotic therapy throughout the 1-year follow-up period. The plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated solid fusion and the complete remission of the initial abscess formation after 3 to 6 months with no recurrence of infection, respectively. CONCLUSION The onetime epidural lavage presented in this small patient cohort proved to be an effective surgical adjunct with minimal exposure-related morbidity. We believe that the possibility of early mobilization and the patients increased rehabilitation potential reduce the risk of nosocomial complications that often coincide with this multimorbid high-risk group of patients.

Impact of a multidisciplinary pain program for the management of chronic low back pain in patients undergoing spine surgery and primary total hip replacement: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLow back pain is a very common disorder. In this field chronic low back pain represents a special challenge. The management of chronic low back pain consists of a range of different intervention strategies. Usually operative intervention should be avoided if possible. However, there are constellations were surgical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain seems to be meaningful.The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes after spine surgery and hip replacement in patients with chronic low back pain after undergoing a structured rehabilitation program including cognitive – behavioral therapy.MethodsFrom January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2010 patients were indicated for total hip replacement (THA) or spine surgery after receiving inpatient multidisciplinary pain programs including cognitive – behavioral therapy at our orthopedic institute with a specialized unit for the rehabilitation of chronic pain patients. Indications for surgery were based on the synopsis of clinical and imaging findings and on positive effects after local injections during the multidisciplinary pain program. The tools for assessment included follow-up at 6 and 12 months and analyses of pain, chronicity, physical functioning and depression.ResultsOf the 256 patients admitted for multidisciplinary pain program, fifteen were indicated to benefit from a surgical intervention during multidisciplinary pain program. Ten patients received spine surgery. THA was indicated in five patients. In all cases, the peri- and postoperative clinical courses were uneventful. Only two of the patients subjected to spine surgery and three patients who had THA were improved after 12 months. One patient reported a worsened condition. All patients presented with good functional outcomes and normal radiological findings.ConclusionsThe indication for surgical intervention in patients with chronic low back pain and degenerative diseases must be critically assessed. THA in this cohort should focus on functional aspects, such as the improvement of range of motion, rather than the reduction of pain. Spine surgery in chronic low back pain patients after multidisciplinary pain program including cognitive – behavioral therapy cannot be recommended due to its questionable success.

Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis of the Thoracic Spine: Outcome of 1-Stage Posterior Versus 2-Stage Posterior and Anterior Spinal Reconstruction in Adults

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, radiologic, and functional outcomes of a 1-stage posterior treatment versus a 2-stage posterior-anterior treatment in patients with pyogenic thoracic spondylodiscitis. METHODS A 1-stage posterior debridement, stabilization, and fusion with titanium-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or mesh cage through a dorsolateral approach was performed in group A. A 2-stage procedure with initial posterior stabilization and debridement and second-stage fusion with a PEEK cage or mesh cage was performed with an anterior approach in group B. Clinical outcomes included Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and visual analog scale score. Radiologic outcomes included fusion rate and kyphotic angle correction. Secondary variables included pathogens, complications, blood loss, and operative time. RESULTS One-level spondylodiscitis was treated surgically in the thoracic spine of 47 patients: 25 patients in group A and 22 patients in group B. The most frequent segment was T12-L1 (27%). There was a significantly longer operative time and greater blood loss (P > 0.001) in group B. At last follow-up, sagittal profile reconstruction was significantly better (P > 0.05) in group B. Both groups showed similar radiologic results with fusion in 92% of cases. Improved clinical outcomes, pain, and quality of life were achieved in both groups with no significant differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Better reconstruction of the sagittal profile was achieved in the posterior-anterior-treated group, but this did not affect the clinical outcome. No significant differences were found in the clinical and functional outcomes between the 2 groups. Posterior-anterior combined treatment should be considered in cases of large anterior defects if a posterior reconstruction is inadequate.

Balloon kyphoplasty and additional anterior odontoid screw fixation for treatment of unstable osteolytic lesions of the vertebral body C2: a case series

BackgroundUnstable osteolytic lesions of the occipitocervical junction are rare and may occur in hematological malignancy or vertebral hemangioma, among others. Different case reports have been published about vertebroplasty for treatment of spinal metastases of the upper cervical spine. Only few cases concern balloon kyphoplasty of C2. We present a consecutive case series including four patients with an osteolytic lesion of the dens axis and describe a technical note for balloon kyphoplasty of C2 and an additional anterior odontoid screw fixation.MethodsFour consecutive patients with an osteolytic lesion of the vertebral body of C2 were treated by anterior balloon kyphoplasty and additional anterior odontoid screw fixation of the dens axis. The radiological imaging showed a lytic process of the vertebral body C2 with no vertebral collapse but involvement of more than 50% of the vertebral body in all patients.ResultsTwo cases of potentially unstable osteolytic lesions of C2 by myeloma, one case with metastatic osteolytic lesion of C2 by adenocarcinoma of the colon and one patient with vertebral hemangioma located in C2 were presented to our clinic. In all cases, surgical treatment with an anterior balloon kyphoplasty of C2 and an additional anterior, bicortical odontoid screw placement was performed. Control x-rays showed sufficient osteosynthesis and cement placement in the vertebral body C2.DiscussionAnterior balloon kyphoplasty and anterior odontoid screw placement is a safe treatment option for large osteolytic lesions of C2. The additional odontoid screw placement has the advantage of providing more stabilization and may prevent late complications, like odontoid fractures. For patients with potentially unstable or large osteolytic lesions of the dens without spinal cord compression or neurological symptoms we recommend the placement of an anterior odontoid screw when performing a balloon kyphoplasty. Level of evidence: - IV: retrospective or historical series.

Cervical spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess after knife stab wounds to the neck: A case report

INTRODUCTION Cervical spondylodiscitis is usually caused by pyogenic infections, associated with retropharyngeal abscesses, or due to the swallowing of foreign bodies. No cases of cervical spondylodiscitis caused by a penetrating neck injury have been published in the literature. We describe a case of cervical spondylodiscitis after multiple knife stab wounds to the lateral soft tissue of the neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS Case report and review of the literature. RESULTS A 54-year-old patient was brought to our clinic with destructive spondylodiscitis C3/4 with paravertebral and epidural abscesses. He had been involved in a fight and had suffered multiple stab wounds to his neck with a knife 1 month prior. The initial CT scan had revealed one deeper wound canal behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the left side without any injury to the vessels. The wound was cleaned and an antibiotic therapy with cefuroxime was given for 1 week. After an uneventful and complete healing of the wound the patient developed severe neck pain. Inflammatory laboratory parameters were elevated, and a MRI of the neck revealed a distinct spondylodiscitis C3/4 with paravertebral and epidural abscess formations. Surgery was performed and included debridement, abscess drainage, decompression of the spinal canal, fusion of the C3/4 segment using an autologous iliac crest bone graft and a plate osteosynthesis. A course of calculated antibiotic therapy was administered for 8 weeks. Normal laboratory parameters and no radiological signs of an ongoing inflammatory process were observed during follow-up examinations. The C3/4 segment was consolidated. CONCLUSION Stab wound injuries to the neck not only bear the risk of injuries to the nerves, vessels and organs of the neck but also increase the risk of developing secondary spondylodiscitis. Specifically, cervical spondylodiscitis can result in distinct neurological symptoms, and surgical intervention should be performed in a timely manner.

Multifocal infections of the musculoskeletal system: description of a safe one-step procedure for eradication of associated spinal infections

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after radical surgical treatment of multifocal infections involving the spine.MethodsThe study demonstrates a retrospective chart review of seven patients who had more than three different abscesses in the musculoskeletal system and at least one of them in the area of the spinal column. All patients had a sepsis.ResultsBeside different musculoskeletal abscesses four patients had a spondylodiscitis in the cervical spine segments C4/5 or C5/6. Six patients had inflammatory processes in the lumbar spine with epidural abscesses, diffuse thoracolumbar paravertebral abscesses and a spondylodiscitis in different segments. In all cases we performed a radical surgical treatment of all related inflammatory focuses. Prompt radical surgical treatment of the spine included decompression, debridement and in the cases of spondylodiscitis a fusion of the involved segments. For more than one focus at the spine, a surgical one-step procedure was performed. An antibiotic therapy was administered for six to eight weeks. In follow up examinations no signs of ongoing inflammatory processes were seen in imaging studies or laboratory tests.ConclusionsIn the event of multiple abscesses of the musculoskeletal system involving the spine an early correct diagnosis and radical surgical treatment is recommended. We strongly favor a surgical single-stage procedure for treatment of multiple infections of the spine. In addition to a radical debridement and a sufficient decompression, the segmental fusion of affected areas in spondylodiscitis is essential. At the same time a surgical therapy of all other infected sites should be performed.