Spinal Infection
Spinal Infection - Related Videos
08:03
In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
0 Views •
Cited by 7 •
2020
The protocol describes a novel in vivo mouse model of spinal implant infection where a stainless-steel k-wire implant is infected with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus Xen36. Bacterial burden is monitored longitudinally with bioluminescent imaging and confirmed with colony forming unit counts after euthanasia.
08:33
Surgical Transplantation of Mouse Neural Stem Cells into the Spinal Cords of Mice Infected with Neurotropic Mouse Hepatitis Virus
0 Views •
Cited by 14 •
2011
The transplantation of mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) into the spinal cords of mice with established demyelination is detailed. The preparation of NSCs, the laminectomy of thoracic vertebra 9 (T9), and transplantation of NSCs is outlined along with the pre- and post-operative care of the mice.
08:57
Acute and Chronic Tactile Sensory Testing after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
0 Views •
Cited by 55 •
2012
We describe two tactile sensory testing methods for acute or chronic periods of spinal cord injury in rats. These validated procedures can detect the development and maintenance of allodynia-like sensations.
04:59
Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
0 Views •
Cited by 5 •
2010
A demonstration of the isolation of neonatal mouse spinal cord for electrophysiologic studies.
03:21
Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation of a Rat's Spinal Motoneuron
0 Views •
2025
This video describes the in vivo intracellular recording of rat motoneurons under trans-spinal direct current stimulation. The protocol describes how to measure membrane properties and record the rhythmic firing of motoneurons before, during, and after anodal or cathodal polarization of the spinal cord.
FAQs
Microorganisms may reach spinal tissues through the bloodstream, extend from nearby infected tissue, or enter after surgery or trauma. These routes explain why spinal infection can arise in different clinical settings rather than from a single local mechanism. Identifying the likely route helps clinicians interpret the patient’s history and evaluate which spinal structures may be involved.
Infection may affect vertebrae, intervertebral discs, or tissues surrounding the spine, producing patterns such as vertebral osteomyelitis, discitis, or epidural abscess. The affected location influences the symptoms and potential consequences, including pain, inflammation, neurological injury, and systemic illness. Distinguishing these sites is therefore important when interpreting imaging and planning treatment.
Neurological examination helps assess whether infection has affected neural function, while magnetic resonance imaging identifies the involved spinal structures. Together with symptoms, these findings help clarify the extent of disease and whether neurological injury or compression may be present. This information supports decisions about antimicrobial treatment, drainage, spinal stabilization, or surgery.
Evaluation combines the patient’s symptoms with a neurological examination, blood tests, cultures, and magnetic resonance imaging. Cultures help identify the causative pathogen, while imaging shows which structures are affected. Using these sources together gives clinicians both clinical and anatomical information, allowing treatment to be directed toward the infection rather than based only on symptoms.
Early diagnosis allows clinicians to begin targeted antimicrobial therapy and to recognize situations requiring additional intervention. If infection threatens neural structures, causes compression, or compromises spinal stability, drainage or surgery may be needed alongside antimicrobial treatment. Timely identification therefore affects both control of the infection and prevention or management of serious complications.
Drainage or surgery may be required when antimicrobial therapy alone does not address the clinical problem, particularly when infection must be controlled, the spine needs stabilization, or neural compression must be relieved. The decision is informed by symptoms, neurological findings, culture results, and magnetic resonance imaging, which together show the infection’s extent and consequences.