Single-stage posterior debridement and single-level instrumented fusion for spontaneous infectious spondylodiscitis of the lumbar spine.

: Spontaneous infectious spondylodiscitis (SIS) is an uncommon condition. The purpose of this retrospective study of 10 adult patients (6 males and 4 females, average age 52 years), all with lumbar SIS and epidural abscess, was to analyze the efficacy of single-stage posterior debridement plus single-level interbody grafting with autologous bone, and transpedicular screw-rod instrumentation. The mean follow-up period was 43 months, with a minimum of 30 months. The back pain was relieved within 3 to 8 days after surgery. Neurologic deficits, present in 5 cases, all improved. Solid fusion was achieved at 6 months in all 10 cases. The mean VAS for pain improved from 7.5 to 1.6, the mean Oswestry Disability Index from 57.8% to 8.1%. The mean physical component of SF-36 (PCS) improved from 32.4% to 54.7%, the mean mental component of SF-36 (MCS) improved from 33.8% to 57.2%. All these changes were significant (p < 0.001). No recurrence of infection was noted. The outcome was quite satisfactory in terms of fusion rate and quality of life.