The cause of Spinal Infections is due to pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungal contamination), which vary depending on the mode of contamination, age, and predisposing factors, particularly prior surgeries or states of immunosuppression.

The most common symptoms of spondylodiscitis include back pain and stiffness, fever, neurological deficits, formation of an epidural abscess, and spinal deformity.

Diagnosing spondylodiscitis requires several tests and investigations since it causes quite nonspecific symptoms. The diagnostic process may include:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Blood tests
• MRI and/or CT scan of the spine
• PET scan and/or bone scintigraphy
• Biopsy of the affected bone and intervertebral disc tissue
  

The primary treatment involves targeted antibiotic therapy for milder cases, progressing to surgical intervention for more complex cases. Surgical treatment options may include:

• Debridement
• Spinal fusion
• Decompression of nerve structures
  

If left untreated or inadequately treated, Spinal Infection can cause widespread deterioration of the affected vertebrae and intervertebral discs, potentially leading to vertebral osteomyelitis.

Vertebral osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone tissue of the vertebrae and the marrow cavity, which is the space containing the bone marrow. This severe complication, if left untreated, can lead to permanent neurological deficits.