Dr. Sachin Sharma

Spinal Infections

Spinal infections can affect the vertebrae (osteomyelitis), discs (discitis), epidural space (epidural abscess) or surrounding structures. In India, spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) is a particularly important cause of spinal infection. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent irreversible neurological damage.

Types of Spinal Infections

  • Spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) - most common in India
  • Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis
  • Epidural abscess
  • Post-surgical infection
  • Brucellosis and other atypical infections
  • Fungal spinal infections (in immunocompromised patients)

Symptoms Requiring Urgent Evaluation

  • Progressive back or neck pain with fever or systemic illness
  • Night sweats, weight loss, loss of appetite
  • Neurological weakness, numbness or bladder/bowel changes
  • History of tuberculosis or contact with TB
  • Immunocompromised state (diabetes, HIV, immunosuppressive therapy)
  • Recent instrumented spine surgery with signs of infection

Treatment Approach

Treatment of spinal infections requires accurate diagnosis (including culture and sensitivity), appropriate antibiotics or anti-tubercular therapy, and surgical intervention when indicated.

  • Detailed laboratory investigations and cultures
  • CT-guided biopsy for tissue diagnosis
  • Anti-tubercular therapy (for spinal TB)
  • Appropriate antibiotic therapy (for pyogenic infections)
  • Surgical debridement and drainage (when abscess or neurological compromise exists)
  • Spinal reconstruction and fusion (when instability exists)
  • Nutritional support and rehabilitation

Dr. Sachin Sharma believes that treatment should begin with an accurate diagnosis and an individualized approach. Not every patient requires surgery - non-surgical options are always considered first whenever clinically appropriate.