Pathophysiology of Spinal Infection

Abstract

Although rare, spondylodiscitis is the main manifestation of hematogeneous osteomyelitis in patients aged more than 50 years. In this chapter, we discuss the pathophysiology of spinal infections. We review the vascular supply of the spine and its development with age, which is important in understanding the typical patterns of infection in adults and children. Routes of pathogen spread are detailed, with a review of the literature. We identify specificities of pathophysiology in the most common causes of spinal infection, namely, pyogenic and tuberculous spondylodiscitis.