Turkish Neurosurgery 2014 , Vol 24 , Num 4
Antibiotic-Impregnated Polymethylmethacrylate as an Anterior Biomechanical Device for the Treatment of Cervical Discitis and Vertebral Osteomyelitis: Technical Report of Two Cases
Ryan J. BARRETT1,2, Lee SANDQUIST1, Boyd F. RICHARDS1,2, Teck M. SOO1,2
1Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Department of Neurological Surgery, Southfield, MI, USA
2Michigan Spine and Brain Surgeons, Southfield, MI, USA
DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.9380-13.0 AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of this novel surgical approach for treatment of cervical discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis.

MATERIAL and METHODS: This is a report of two patients who underwent anterior cervical decompression for discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis (DVO) with cervical spine reconstruction with polymethylmethacrylate impregnated with antibiotics (AI-PMMA).

RESULTS: Both patients had successful procedures that were followed by 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Stabilization and eradication of infection was achieved with clinical and radiographic stabilization seen in both. Follow-up is greater than 18 months and both patients remain off antibiotics.

CONCLUSION: The described technique using AI-PMMA offers immediate structural stability and local delivery of high concentration of antibiotics. Use in two patients has demonstrated a cost effective, long-term biomechanically stable construct and infection control. Keywords : Polymethylmethacrylate, Antibiotic, Cervical discitis, Cervical osteomyelitis, Anterior biomechanical device

Corresponding author : Lee Sandquıst, sandql@hotmail.com