Two-Stage Cervical and Thoracic-Lumbar-Sacral Circumferential Fixation for Pyogenic Spondylitis: A Case Report

TL;DR

A two-stage surgical approach was used to treat pyogenic spondylitis in a patient with infections spanning multiple spinal regions, leading to improved mobility and recovery.

Contribution

This case report introduces a two-stage surgical strategy for cervical and thoracic-lumbar-sacral fixation in pyogenic spondylitis.

Findings

Two-stage surgery improved neurological function and allowed independent ambulation.

No recurrence was observed for six months post-surgery.

The Japan Orthopaedic Association score improved from 5/17 to 13/17.

Abstract

Pyogenic spondylitis is a rare life-threatening condition. Conservative treatment with antibiotics is indicated; however, surgery can be considered in refractory cases. The surgical strategy varies, as pyogenic spondylosis can occur from the cervical to sacral regions. To our knowledge, although there is less invasiveness as an advantage in the following management, cervical and thoracic-lumbar-sacral circumferential fixations in two sessions for pyogenic spondylitis have not been previously described. An 84-year-old man complained of ambulation disturbances and pain in the neck and upper and lower extremities (the Japan Orthopaedic Association cervical myelopathy evaluation questionnaire score of 5/17). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pyogenic spondylitis of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. Epidural abscesses and spondylodiscitis were concurrently diagnosed with multi-level skipping lesions from the cervical to the sacral regions. As these lesions were resistant to antibiotic treatment and the neurological symptoms worsened, surgical treatment was planned. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and posterior cervical fixation were followed by oblique and posterior lumbar intervertebral fusions with long-level fixation from T12 to the ilium using percutaneous pedicle screws. The surgeries were performed in two sessions to avoid the invasiveness of surgeries in a single session. The patient’s condition improved after a second surgery. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 116. No recurrence was observed for six months, and the patient was able to ambulate independently. Two-stage cervical and thoracic-lumbar-sacral circumferential fixation for pyogenic spondylitis contributed to a favorable outcome (the Japan Orthopaedic Association cervical myelopathy evaluation questionnaire score of 13/17).

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