Role of Surgery in Brucella Spondylodiscitis: An Evaluation of 28 Patients

Background A limited number of studies are available in the literature on the surgical treatment of brucellosis-related spondylodiscitis. This study aimed to define and discuss the role of surgery in brucellosis-related spondylodiscitis. Methodology A total of 28 patients who underwent surgical treatment due to brucellosis-related spondylodiscitis between February 2021 and August 2022 were included in this study. Medical records, radiological images, and laboratory data were collected. Surgical results were evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels, clinical findings, postoperative radiological imaging findings, and complications were evaluated. Results In total, 16 of the patients included in the study were male and 12 were female, with a mean age of 56.4 ± 7.2 years. The mean follow-up duration was 11.8 ± 5.4 months. Brucellosis involvement was in the lumbosacral region in all patients. Overall, 21 patients had a neurological deficit in the preoperative period. Posterior stabilization and fusion were done in 20 (71.4%) patients, while simple laminectomy (decompression) and debridement were done in eight (28.6%) patients. There was a decrease in the pain in the lower back and leg in all patients in the postoperative period. Neurological recovery was achieved in 18 patients with a neurological deficit. Two patients underwent wound drainage in the postoperative period. The patient who had morbid obesity and comorbidities died in the postoperative period. ESR and CRP levels returned to normal at the end of the six-month follow-up. There was a significant recovery in VAS and ODI scores (p < 0.05). In total, 24 (85.4%) patients were considered fully recovered both radiologically and clinically at the end of the follow-up. Conclusions Although long-term and specific antibiotic treatment constitute the main treatment in brucellosis-related spondylodiscitis, debridement, decompression, and stabilization (when required) of infection with a focus on neurological deficits and instability formation and non-stop severe pain are effective and safe treatment options.