Active clinical trials for "Discitis"

Spondylodiscitis is an infectious disease of the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebral bodies, which often has a protracted progression. Diagnosis is frequently delayed because of the unspecific pathology and a lack of specific infection markers. However, an early diagnosis is fundamental to prevent long periods with symptoms including extensive back pain and progressive and destructive changes of the spine. Cytokines can be helpful to extend the knowledge about diverse biological processes. Furthermore, they are a promising category of biomarkers that are already present in the early phases of developing diseases. Currently, little is known about the participation of cytokines in Spondylodiscitis. The aim of this study is to establish a non-invasive method to improve the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis. Therefore, blood and tissue samples will be analyzed at different time points for the concentration of specific cytokines to select potential marker cytokines via a Multiplex Assay and suPAR (soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor) via ELISA. After successful identification of the biomarkers cytokines and suPAR, verification of the results will be done by expression analysis of cytokine-producing cells. The potential of such a diagnostic method lies in reducing medical costs and preventing extensive pain and structural changes of the spine. Experimental research will be performed with the approval of the ethic committee of the medical faculty of the University of Cologne.

Vertebral osteomyelitis is an infection of the intervertebral disk and adjacent vertebral plates with a non-negligible risk of neurological complications and handicap. If there are clear recommendations dealing with antibiotic therapy and surgery indications for this pathogen, the question of the immobilization will be remaining debate. The aim of the study was to describe protocols and practices for the immobilization of vertebral osteomyelitis in different French hospitals and bone and joint infections Centers. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the frequency of neurological complications in a large prospective cohort, and to identify clinical and imaging risk factors for neurological complications. The investigators also aim to search for association between type and duration of spine immobilization and neurological status at the end of follow-up.

Between January 2008 and December 2020 all patients with spine diseases were registered prospectively in the former European Spine Tango registry and later german DWG registry at the department of orthopedics and trauma at the university of cologne.

In a multinational prospective study, preoperative, intraoperative, perioperative and follow-up data on patients receiving thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement for degenerative disease or infections or tumors will be collected. The three arms consist of robot-guided (RG), navigated (NV), or freehand (FH) screw insertion.

To evaluate the long term outcomes of patients with thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis treated surgically by posterior approach. Outcomes include bony fusion, neurological improvement, pain improvement, implant related complication, recurrence of infection and or reoperation rate