[Spondylitis and spondylodiscitis].

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory spinal disorders include infectious spondylodiscitis and noninfectious spondyloarthritis. Their clinical differentiation and distinction from degenerative conditions are crucial.

Objective: This review aims to clearly describe infectious and noninfectious spondylitis, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Materials and methods: Analysis of current literature and clinical experience regarding infection pathways, clinical symptoms, and characteristic findings in imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], computed tomography [CT], X‑ray).

Results: Infectious spondylodiscitis typically arises through hematogenous or iatrogenic routes, predominantly affecting older patients and presenting specific changes detectable by MRI and CT. Noninfectious spondylarthritis, such as axial spondyloarthritis, typically manifests as enthesitis with characteristic structural lesions. MRI is highly sensitive in identifying active inflammatory lesions, while CT and X-ray are advantageous for visualizing chronic structural changes.

Conclusion: Diagnosing inflammatory spinal disorders remains challenging and requires a combination of clinical and imaging findings. Unified definitions and standardized diagnostic procedures are essential to minimize incorrect assessment and facilitate targeted therapy.