Is posterior percutaneous screw-rod instrumentation a safe and effective alternative approach to TLSO rigid bracing for single-level pyogenic spondylodiscitis? Results of a retrospective cohort analysis

Currently, treatment for patients diagnosed with noncomplicated (ie, known infectious agent, no neurologic compromise, and preserved spinal stability) pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) is based on intravenous antibiotics and rigid brace immobilization. Since January 2010, we started offering our patients percutaneous posterior screw-rod instrumentation as an alternative approach to rigid bracing. Supposed benefits of posterior percutaneous instrumentation over rigid bracing are earlier free mobilization, increased comfort, and faster recovery