Study Design: Retrospective study. Objectives: To evaluate how the timing of pedicle screw fixation (early or late) in pyogenic spondylitis relates to the period of hospitalization, duration of intravenous antibiotic use, and recurrence of infection and to confirm the efficacy of early pedicle screw fixation for pyogenic spondylitis. Summary of Literature Review: Intravenous antibiotics and surgery including debridement and fixation are used as a treatment option for pyogenic spondylitis.

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... als and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients who underwent posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with intravenous antibiotic treatment for pyogenic spondylitis from November 2005 to February 2015. We divided the study group into an early fixation group, whose instrumentation was inserted no later than 15 days after antibiotic therapy, and a late fixation group for cases who underwent the procedure 15 days or more after antibiotic therapy. We compared the period of hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic treatment, the rate and period of the prescription of oral antibiotics, and the rate of recurrence or reoperation. Results: The period of hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic treatment of the early fixation group (55 and 43.4 days) were significantly shorter than those of the late fixation group (85 and 67.1 days). The rate and period of the prescription of oral antibiotics were not significantly different between the two groups. There was no case of recurrence or reoperation in either group. Conclusions: Early fixation using pedicle screws for pyogenic spondylitis reduces the period of hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic treatment compared to late fixation.