spinal_brucellosis [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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Two forms of spinal [[brucellosis]] have been identified: focal and diffuse . In the focal form, osteomyelitis is localized to the anterior aspect of an end plate. This classically occurs in the superior end plate of a lumbar vertebra at the diskovertebral junction . The disk, paraspinal soft tissue, and spinal canal are not affected. In the diffuse form, osteomyelitis affects the entire vertebral end plate or the whole vertebral body. Spread of the infection occurs via the ligaments and vascular commu- nications to involve adjacent disks and verte- bral bodies. When bone softening and destruction occur as a result of this process, herniation of disk material into the osseous end plates and spread of the infective process into neighboring soft tissues can also take place. Intraspinal extension with or without cord compression by the granulation tissue. may occur in severe cases