Disc Degeneration & Osteomyelitis
Most people experience some degree of disc degeneration as they age. Most people do not experience any symptoms, but for those who do, treatment is available. Risks are associated with the treatment, including the chance of developing osteomyelitis.
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Disc Degeneration
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When a person experiences disc degeneration, the intervertebral discs in her spine lose some of their water content. This causes the discs to shrink and can lead to increased stress on her vertebrae. This can lead to joint degeneration and pressure put on nerves, which can cause stiffness and pain. While disc degeneration can often be managed with medication and exercise, in extreme cases, spinal fusion can be required, according to the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch.
Spinal Fusion
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During a spinal fusion procedure, a surgeon fuses two vertebrae together. This will stop the bones from rubbing against each other and prevent damage to the bone and surrounding nerves. When performing a spinal fusion to correct disc degeneration, a surgeon might use rods, screws or metal plates to hold the vertebrae in place so they will grow together correctly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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Complications
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One potential complication of a spinal fusion to correct disc degeneration is osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection that can be either acute or chronic. It can cause pain in the infected bone, fever, swelling and a general feeling of being unwell. It can also cause chills and pain in a person's lower back. It is most likely to occur in a person who had metal rods or plates used in her spinal fusion.
Treatment
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Osteomyelitis is treated first with antibiotics. A patient will likely receive the antibiotics intravenously and could need to take to them for as long as four to six months. The antibiotics will eradicate the infection in the bone. In more severe cases, dead bone tissue or metal plates that are near infected bone tissue could need to be surgically removed, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Considerations
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Because of the risk of osteomyelitis and other complications, doctors almost always try more conservative treatments for disc degeneration before recommending surgery. If osteomyelitis develops after spinal fusion, it is important that it is treated early and completely. The entire course of antibiotics should be taken, even if symptoms disappear before the course is finished.
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References
- Photo Credit 3rd lumbar vertebrae fracture image by Dr Cano from Fotolia.com
