Neurologic Deterioration, Instrumentation Failure, and Cervical Autofusion Secondary to Noncompliance following Reconstruction for Discitis
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) is an infection of the vertebral body, end plate, and intervertebral disc with potential to extend to surrounding structures, including the epidural space. Bacterial seeding to cause PS stems from three major pathways: hematogenous seeding, direct inoculation, and extension of adjacent tissue infection. Advanced cases have potential to cause structural instability and neurologic compromise, requiring aggressive surgical treatment. When the etiology of PS is hematogenous seeding secondary to intravenous drug use (IVDU), treatment becomes more complicated. Psychosocial factors and medical comorbidities often impact treatment options and patient compliance. We present a case of PS secondary to IVDU complicated by treatment noncompliance, resulting in need for 360° reconstructive surgery. After the patient had been immobilized in a halo fixator for 8 months due to failure to return for follow-up, an unintended C1–C2 autofusion was discovered, revealing the consequences of long-term halo use.