Spondylodiscitis

Spondylodiscitis is an often very painful inflammation of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebra. This can occur as a rare complication following surgery to the intervertebral disc, or as a bacterial infection caused by germs (hematoma) carried through the bloodstream in elderly patients or those with a generally weak immune system. Antibiotics have to be administered immediately once a laboratory determination of the germ has been established, either from the bloodstream or by puncture of the affected discs and vertebrae. If this therapy alone does not work, a surgical removal of the diseased disc and vertebra is necessary. The reconstruction and stabilisation of the spinal region can be attained for example with a PEEK or titanium replacement vertebrae.

Fixation of the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebra with a PEEK cage and internal fixation after spondylodiscitis.