Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Correspondence: bedjan. Background incidence of pyogenic spinal infections has increased in recent years.
In addition to treating the spinal infection, optimal care also includes identifying the source of the pyogenic spinal infection and the presence of other infections. The aim of this study is to elucidate the prevalence of oral cavity infection OCI within this patient cohort. Methods As part of a prospective study conducted from to , the number of patients with dental infections was investigated by means of an orthopantomogram OPG and subsequent dental examination. In addition to the spinal infection, patients with an oral cavity infection revealed an increased incidence of endocarditis, sepsis and brain abscess.
A spinal epidural abscess, a multilevel affection of the infection, and an elevated CRP value were also found in patients with a co-existing oral cavity infection. Back pain assessed at admission and 3 months after surgery was also more pronounced in patients with an oral cavity infection.
Neurological deficits were often present in patients with spinal and oral cavity infection. Conclusions The presence of an oral cavity infection has proven to be one of the important factors in the detection of the source of the pyogenic spinal infection.
In addition, a pronounced spinal affection and frequent co-infections were seen in patients with an oral cavity infection. The incidence of spondylodiscitis in western countries has risen over the past few decades. It is a rare disease with high morbidity and long-term sequelae. Unfortunately, it is often recognized and treated late. The main reasons are the demographic change, extended life expectancy and improved access to medical services [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ].
