Matsubara T, et al. - Clinical outcomes of percutaneous suction aspiration and drainage (PSAD) for infective spondylodiscitis with paravertebral and/or epidural abscess were determined. Based on the findings, it was concluded that as a treatment option for patients with progressive infective spondylodiscitis and associated paravertebral and/or epidural abscess, PSAD can serve as an effective alternative to open surgery.

• Researchers retrospectively analyzed a case series of patients with infective spondylodiscitis and associated epidural and/or paravertebral abscess treated using PSAD at their institution, between 1998 and 2014.
• They analyzed serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and imaging data obtained via plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
• They obtained serum measurements preoperatively and at several time points postoperatively.
• Using the modified MacNab criteria for overall functional mobility, they assessed clinical outcomes.
• They gathered data from the patients' case notes, radiological images, and medical records.
• Furthermore, they used Student's t-test to evaluate the relevance of changes in serum levels of CRP and ESR at each evaluated time point, as well as the change in sagittal Cobb angle between the preoperative state and the state at final follow-up.

• This analysis included a total of 52 patients (31 men and 21 women; average age, 70.6 years).
• At the time of diagnosis, the reported median (range) CRP levels and ESR values were 6.86 (0.04–20.15) mg/dL and 78.8 (26–120) mm/h, respectively.
• Researchers noted that at one year postoperatively, these values had decreased to 0.18 (0.0–1.2) mg/dL and 13.8 (4–28) mm/h for CRP and ESR, respectively.
• Final follow-up revealed bone union in 80.8% (42/52) of patients, with instability identified in 5 patients.
• Findings demonstrated that regarding functional mobility, excellent outcomes were obtained in 26.9% (14/52) of patients, whereas good, fair, and poor outcomes were noted in 42.3% (22/52), 3.9% (2/52), and 26.9% (14/52) of patients, respectively.
• Results revealed that treatment was considered effective in 69.2% (36/52) of patients.