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  • Title: [Paraplegia in cases of septic diseases of the spine].
    Author: Keil M, Akbar M, Abel R.
    Journal: Orthopade; 2005 Feb; 34(2):113-4, 116-9. PubMed ID: 15650823.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Paraplegia of non-traumatic origin has an increasing incidence. Infection of the spine is a major contributor to the number of these cases. Besides adequate management of spinal cord injury, the treatment of these patients requires specific therapeutic techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with acute pyogenic infection of the spine and spinal cord injury were admitted to our facility in the years 1997-2000. All except two patients were treated by surgical debridement and internal stabilisation. RESULTS: The infections healed after surgical treatment in all cases. Neurological function improved and no patient showed neurological deterioration. Both patients who were not fit for surgery died during treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgical instrumentation and replacement of the destroyed vertebra, despite a pyogenic environment, resulted in permanent resolution of the infection. There is potential for neurological recovery but full recovery is rare.
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