Lena Link (Berlin), Moritz Kolster (Berlin), Arneborg Ernst (Berlin), Philipp Mittmann (Berlin)
Introduction (background / research question)
Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and the surrounding vertebrae most caused by hematogenous spread due to an infective focus located elsewhere. The aim of this study is to analyze the cause of spondylodiscitis in 540 patients, paying special attention to infective foci within the field of Otorhinoaryngology.
Material and methods
In this monocentric, retrospective cohort study 540 patients with spondylodiscitis were included over the course of 10 years (2012-2022). Patient data was analyzed for patient"s age and sex, the affected vertebral location, risk factors for the development of spondylodiscitis, diagnostical parameters, possible infective foci and therapeutic measures. Differences between patients with and without a focus within the head and neck area were analyzed and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results
Of 540 patients, 6 patients (1,1%) presented with an infective focus within the head and neck area, 4 patients (0,8%) had an unclear focus. Patients with a focus in the head and neck area showed more cases of spondylodiscitis within the cervical spine (33,3%) than patients without an infective focus (8,1%). CRP levels were overall higher in patients with an infective focus in the head and neck area than compared to patients without an infective focus (216,3 mg/dl vs. 135,7 mg/dl).
Conclusion / Discussion
As the incidence of spondylodiscitis is rising, possible causing infections should be identified to decrease patient"s mortality and the likelihood of remaining neurological deficits. This study shows that an infection within the head and neck area is not a common cause for spondylodiscitis.
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