[Percutaneous CT-controlled puncture and drainage of spondylodiscitis--a minimally invasive method].

Purpose: Is there an absolute operative indication for the abscess-forming spondylodiscitis or is a curing also possible with minimal invasive procedures?

Method: In a retrospective study over a period from 1986 to 1993, 40 patients with a spondylodiscitis of the thoracic and lumbar spine were treated and then followed up over two years in our Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Using a CT-controlled method of minimal invasive punction and drainage of the abscessed forms of spondylodiscitis, it was to be settled whether these therapeutic procedures result in a normalization of the biochemical inflammatory parameters (CRP) and in a normalization of the CT--as well as MRI-findings.

Results: 7 of the 40 patients had a spondylodiscitis with a local abscess, further 7 patients had a gravidation abscess.