Discitis after discography. The role of prophylactic antibiotics.

Abstract

Discitis after discography is due to bacterial penetration into the intervertebral disc by a contaminated needle and has an incidence of 1% to 4%. We have examined the prophylactic role of cephazolin administered at the time of discography. An experimental study in sheep using radiographic contrast containing Staphylococcus epidermidis showed that either adding the antibiotic to the intradiscal suspension or giving it intravenously 30 minutes before intradiscal inoculation of bacteria prevented any radiographic, macroscopic or histological signs of discitis; all the intervertebral disc cultures were negative. In a prospective clinical study of 127 consecutive patients having lumbar discography, the injected contrast contained cephazolin 1 mg per ml. None of the patients developed clinical or radiographic signs of discitis. We recommend the use of a suitable broad spectrum antibiotic in a single prophylactic dose whenever the intervertebral disc is entered.

• Authors: O L Osti, R D Fraser, B Vernon-Roberts
• Journal: The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume (J Bone Joint Surg Br) Vol. 72 Issue 2 Pg. 271-4 (Mar 1990) ISSN: 0301-620X [Print] England
• PMID: 2312567 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media
• Cefazolin

Topics

• Animals
• Cefazolin (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Contrast Media (administration & dosage)
• Discitis (etiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous
• Intervertebral Disc (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Lumbar Vertebrae
• Prospective Studies
• Radiography (adverse effects)
• Sheep
• Staphylococcal Infections (etiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Staphylococcus epidermidis (drug effects)