Vol. 7, Issue 1 (2021)

Abstract: Pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) is more common in patients aged over 50 years and it represents only 1-2% of bone infections in pediatric age. The incidence has been rising through the combined effect of an increase in the susceptible population (immunosuppressed and ageing population), intravenous drug use, rise in healthcare-associated infection, spinal surgery and improved ascertainment, due to better diagnosis. Of 173 patients, 15 patients with incomplete follow-up, incomplete radiographic data and 7 patients with inconclusive etiological diagnosis were also excluded. The remaining 151 patients formed the basis of the study. Mean duration of symptoms was 6 weeks in NTS and 14 weeks in TS. Back ache is the most common clinical feature seen in all patients (100%). Fever in NTS (71.1%) and deformity in TS (34.3%) were 2^nd most common clinical features respectively. Neurological deficits and symptoms (radiculopathy/parasthesias) were present in 30.3% of TS and 21.1% of NTS.