Duration of the treatment
On average it takes 2 months to half a year from the first symptom to the final diagnosis by a doctor. Once the correct diagnosis has been found, immobilization and antibiotic therapy follow over several weeks. The antibiotic is usually given directly into the vein over a period of 2-4 weeks (intravenous therapy).
A sign of the success of the therapy is a drop in inflammation values in the blood, which must be checked regularly. After normalization of the inflammation values, the antibiotic can be switched from intravenous to oral administration – usually in tablet form. These tablets should then be taken again for at least 4-6 weeks.
In severe cases, a period of up to 3 months may be necessary. All treatments and check-ups for a single patient therefore often last for more than a year until a final cure can be spoken of. The prognosis for the healing of spondylodiscitis depends on various factors and therefore cannot be named in general terms.are of importance:
- Extent of infection at diagnosis
- Species of bacteria
- Conservative/Operative Therapy
- Overall physical condition of the patient/pre-existing conditions
Despite optimal acute therapy, it cannot be completely ruled out that the infection may not flare up after years.
The prognosis for spondylodiscitis in children is favorable. Surgery is almost never necessary. Treacherous in children are the hidden signs of spondylodiscitis, such as uncharacteristic back or abdominal pain and gait problems, which often delay a correct diagnosis.
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