Spinal infections (SIs) are rare conditions affecting the intervertebral disc, vertebral body and/or adjacent spinal tissues. The lumbar region is most commonly involved, followed by the thoracic and cervical regions. Patients present with varied, non-specific clinical features leading to diagnostic and treatment delays. Clinicians need to have a low threshold to suspect SI. In this Element, two real-life cases of patients with SIs will be presented first. Core knowledge will be reviewed next, followed by diagnostic pitfalls and clinical pearls. Finally, the 'typical' clinical workflow for a patient with SI will be presented and the various treatment options will be explored.

Spinal infections (SI) affect disc, vertebral, and adjacent tissues. Diagnosis delayed due to nonspecific symptoms, must suspect SI early.

Book Information
ISBN 9781009494823
Author Damjan Veljanoski
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 59g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 2mm