title: [Comparison between surgical and conservative treatment for postoperative lumbar discitis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare therapeutic effects between surgical and conservative treatment for postoperative lumbar discitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2004 to January 2009, 41 patients (17 males and 24 females ranging the age from 37 to 68 years with an average of 53.6 years) with postoperative lumbar discitis were retrospectively studied and divided into two groups. There were 19 patients in operation group, 22 patients in conservative group. Clinical data and features,image data, laboratory examinations, antibiotics utilization, hospital stays and sequelae were recorded and analyzed. Visual analogue scales system (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were applied to evaluate therapeutic effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients were followed up over 2 years. Imaging revealed good bone fusion and no occurrence of discitis. VAS score and ODI at 1 month, 1 year and 2 years were significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.01). While VAS and ODI in operation group at 1 month were improved more than that of conservative group (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between two groups at 1 year and 2 years (P > 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical and conservative treatment for postoperative lumbar discitis is effective. Surgical treatment is superior to conservative treatment in a short time, while conservative treatment can achieve long-term satisfactory curative effects.
authors: Li-Xin
authors: LX
authors: Che
authors: Sha-Di-Ke
authors: SD
authors: Yili-Haer
authors: Shu-Ping
authors: SP
authors: Xie
authors: Xin-Ping
authors: XP
authors: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015299:Discitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents