Long-term Functional Outcome in Pyogenic Spinal Infection

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term adverse functional outcome following pyogenic spinal infection using standardized outcome measures, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and medical outcomes study short form-36 (SF-36). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is minimal published data regarding the long-term functional outcome in pyogenic spinal infection. Previous studies have used heterogeneous, unreliable, and nonvalidated measure instruments yielding data that is difficult to interpret. METHODS: All cases of pyogenic spinal infection presenting to a single institution managed operatively and nonoperatively from 1994 to 2004 were retrospectively identified. Follow-up was by clinical review and standardized questionnaires. Inclusion in each case was on the basis of consistent clinical, imaging, and microbiology criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases of pyogenic spinal infection were identified. Twenty-eight…