MANAGEMENT AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF CERVICAL SPONDYLODISCITIS IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT NEUROLOGICAL DEFICITS BY ANTERIOR APPROACH: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY.

Background: Cervical spondylodiscitis is a rare but potentially lifethreatening infection characterized by inflammation of the vertebrae and discs, leading to significant morbidity and neurological complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical intervention in patients with cervical spondylodiscitis, focusing on improvements in pain and neurological status. Material and Methods: A retrospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics at Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly (U.P) including 30 patients who underwent anterior surgical intervention between June 2022 and September 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients with cervical spondylodiscitis presenting with neurological deficits, spinal instability, or myelopathy. Preoperative and postoperative assessments utilized the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Modified McCormick Scale, and radiological evaluations. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: The cohort comprised 60% females and 40% males, with a mean age of 50 years. Postoperative evaluations indicated significant improvements, with mean VAS scores decreasing from 8.29 at presentation to 1 at 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.001). The Modified McCormick Scale also demonstrated significant postoperative improvement. Ten patients required re-exploration due to complications, primarily in those with comorbidities such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease, but subsequently showed marked improvements in pain scores. Conclusion: Surgical intervention for cervical spondylodiscitis significantly enhances patient outcomes, as reflected in reduced pain and improved neurological function. This study highlights the necessity for timely surgical intervention and careful management of comorbid conditions to optimize recovery and reduce complications, advocating for proactive strategies in treating infectious spondylodiscitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]