To evaluate the long term outcomes of patients with thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis treated surgically by posterior approach.

Outcomes include bony fusion, neurological improvement, pain improvement, implant related complication, recurrence of infection and or reoperation rate

spondylodiscitis is characterized by infection that primarily affects the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebrae. The estimated incidence of spondylodiscitis, ranging from 0.2 to 10 per 100,000 inhabitants per year, has increased in recent years, which is likely associated with an aging population, higher prevalence of chronic disease, and more effective diagnostic techniques. Spondylodiscitis is a life-threatening disease with a mortality rate of 2-20% that is often associated with potential complications, such as paraspinal abscess, epidural abscess, meningitis, spinal instability, and neurologic deficiency. The relapse rates were reported to be as high as 32% in the literature. The aims of this study are to evaluate improvements, complications, recurrence and reoperation rates in Assiut university hospitals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • All patients had thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis from number 1 thoracic vertebra till number 1 sacral vertebra.

  • Treated surgically by posterior approach only.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Patients with incomplete follow up.

  • Multifocal discitis.

All Patients suffered from thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis and treated surgically by posterior approach in Assiut university hospitals from January 2016 to December 2017