The treatment experience of chronic suppurative spondylitis of the thoracolumbar spine

Abstract Background This study investigated the diagnostic and therapeutic experience, including conservative, endoscopic and surgical methods, of chronic suppurative spondylitis. Methods A total of 39 patients were included in the imageological, laboratory, and pathological examinations. The patients underwent conservative treatment or operation according to their respective conditions. We used erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and c-reactive proteins (CRP) to evaluate the state of the illness, visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess lower back and lower limb pain, and the oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) to assess the degree of functional disability. All patients were followed up for 12–36 months. Results Two patients were treated conservatively with antibiotics for 6–8 weeks, while 34 patients underwent different open surgeries, including two cases who underwent second stage surgery. Endoscopic surgery was operated on 3 patients under acute inflammatory stage. All patients' body temperature, VAS score, ESR, and CRP decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Imaging showed that lesions were stationary and that bone fusion occurred 8–14 months after surgery, with an average of 10.00 ± 0.92 months. Conclusions Clinicians should acquire a detailed medical history and evaluate the laboratory and imaging results comprehensively to select an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment, including the choosing of an adequate surgical method, should be based on the purpose of the operation and the patient's general condition.