O1058 TAUROLIN IN TREATMENT OF THE VERTEBRAL OSTEITIS

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study is to estimate prospects of application Taurolin for treatment of the vertebral osteitis and purulent discitis. Methods: In the period from 1998 to 2001 16 patients with vertebral osteitis and purulent discitis were treated with the use of Taurolin-Gel 4%. The average age was 33,5. One-stage surgical procedure was always performed – careful surgical cleaning of a suppurative focus with total intravertebral disc and partial vertebral body resection, filling it with Taurolin-Gel 4% followed by drainage with obligatory transpedicular screw-rod fixation. In 9 cases Staph. Aureus was found, in 2 cases – Staph. Hemolyticus, in 1 case – Staph. Intermed and Klebs. Pneum were found. Adequate drainage of the wound and regular sampling of the effluent fluid were very important. When tests show the absence of bacteria, the drains can be removed, otherwise Taurolin may be used as a further instillation. The radioisotope scanning of a spine was applied to have additional control of inflammatory process. Results: In 13 of these cases local and general signs of infection disappeared after one implantation of Taurolin-Gel 4%. In 3 cases a second implantation was necessary. Neurological reactions to introduction of Taurolin-Gel 4% were not observed. In all patients a good medium-term result was obtained. After 1 year the X-ray control, CT-scan and radioisotope scanning showed good fusion in site of infection and absence of inflammatory reaction in all cases. Allergic or similar incompatibilities were not revealed. Conclusions: Taurollin-Gel 4% is a good local drug for treatment and prophylaxis of infections in spine surgery. The advantage is that it can be introduced into surgically cleaned cavities and does not require removal. If it is necessary to use bone graftings, Taurolin-Gel can be easily mixed with corticospongious bone chips or different artificial bone materials.