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Permanent metal cages an option for surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis
In a recent study, researchers found that patients with spondylodiscitis who were treated with anterior debridement and reconstruction with an expandable metallic cage can maintain alignment without a risk of infection.
The retrospective study included 15 patients with spondylodiscitis who were treated surgically through the implantation of metal cages. Average follow-up time was 25 months. One patient required an additional surgery due to infection, but the infection was not at the site of the surgery.
Through a radiograph review, the researchers found treatment did not result in any extensive osteolysis around the metal cage or any severe collapse. Compared with initial postoperative radiographs, an average loss of 1.9° of correction was seen in final follow-up radiographs.
“Retrospective studies continue to show that adding instrumentation to the construct can be done with little risk of recurrent deep infection,” the researchers concluded.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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