[Results of treatment for infective osteomyelitis of the spine with neurological impairment].

From among 35 cases of spinal osteomyelitis 2 were treated conservatively and 21 surgically. Minor neurological deficits were managed conservatively. Deep spastic or flaccid paresis and plegia were treated surgically with focal excision and anterior stabilization. Satisfactory results were achieved in both groups; surgery within thoracic spine was markedly more beneficial. Four fatalities occurred in postoperative period (2 plegia cases and 2 deep spastic paresis cases) due to severity of preoperative condition and postoperative complications. Neurological impairment was caused by late diagnosis and improper management. Correct indications for conservative or surgical treatment yield good prognosis if general preoperative status of a patient is fair.