Surgical treatment of posterior approach for spondylodiscitis after lumbar discectomy

Objective:To discuss the surgical management of spondylodiscitis after the lumbar discectomy.Methods:7 cases of spondylodiscitis after the lumbar discectomy were analysed retrospectively.All patients were treated with surgical management of posterior approach combined with antibiotics.Results:In 7 patients,4 were males and 3 females.The mean age was 45 years old.The spinal segment involved included L 4/5 in three and L 5S 1 in four cases.The history, clinical courses,ESR and MRI are very useful in the diagnosis of postoperative spondylodiscitis.3 cases presented positive in the bacterial culture and 4 cases negative.After the surgery of the posterior focal debridement and bone plantation with internal fixation, the symptoms were relieved in a short period of time.The roentgenographic followe-up showed the spinal fusion 2.5～3.5 months after surgery.Conclusion:The surgical management of the posterior approach has more advantages over the anterior approach.It is one of the most effective methods for treatment of the spondylodiscitis after lumbar discectomy.