• Rolf Sobottke, Harald Seifert, Gerd Fätkenheuer, Matthias Schmidt, Axel Gossmann, and Peer Eysel.
• Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie der Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9, Köln, Germany. sobottke@gmx.de
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008 Mar 1; 105 (10): 181-7.

IntroductionInfection of the spinal column is rare, and often recognized and treated too late. Spondylodiscitis is osteomyelitis of the spine and can cause severe symptoms. Hospital mortality is in the region of 2% to 17%.MethodsSelective literature review and results of the authors' own research.ResultsThe incidence of pyogenic spondylodiscitis is around 1 : 250 000, which represents around 3% to 5% of osteomyelitis as a whole. 10% to 15% of all vertebral infections can be ascribed to exogenous spondylodiscitis, with Staphylococcus aureus as the commonest pathogen, 2% to 16% of which are reported to be MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus). Catheter-related, nosocomial infection with MRSA is a key cause for spondylodiscitis. 50% of all skeletal tuberculoses are found in the spine.DiscussionSpondylodiscitis should be borne in mind in cases of diffuse back pain and non-specific symptoms. MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice for detecting spondylodiscitis. Thanks to precise monitoring of conservative treatments and primarily stable surgical techniques, prolonged immobilization of the patient is no longer necessary nowadays.

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