Infections of the spine: what the orthopedist needs to know.
Infections of the spine usually present with back pain in the absence of constitutional symptoms. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and appropriate radiological and laboratory studies. Most infections can be managed conservatively with organism-specific antibiotics and bracing with good success. Surgery may be indicated to isolate the offending organism and to manage neurological and structural complications.
Weinberg
Jacob
J
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
Silber
Jeff S
JS
D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013131:Spine / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology