Spondylodiscitis is an uncommon condition with an incidence of 1:100,000 to 1:250,000 in developed countries. Diagnosis and treatment can be delayed resulting in poor outcomes. A high index of suspicion is necessary considering the associated mortality, reported at 2–17%.

Establishing a diagnosis can be challenging as features are non-specific and onset may be insidious. While treatment is usually conservative, certain situations require surgery. All patients however require careful assessment and monitoring for complications that may require further intervention. A review of our practice in Wexham Park and Heatherwood Hospital NHS Trust from 2009 to 2013 produced a guideline suggesting the need for blood cultures, imaging with MRI and involvement of the infectious diseases and spinal teams. We re-audited (20 cases) to assess compliance with the guidelines, which were in place to reduce the delay in diagnosis.

Recurrent presentation, infections of unknown origin and deterioration after a short course of antibiotics were indicators for triggering imaging of the spine for discitis. Delays in diagnosis were more marked in bacterial cases rather than tuberculosis. It was impossible to predetermine patients that would require surgical intervention. Our compliance with the guideline had improved from 70 to over 90% and there were no relapses or mortality.