Spinal brucellosis: a personal experience of nine patients and a review of the literature.

A retrospective study of patients with spinal brucellosis was performed to outline the syndrome and its treatment, including rehabilitation. The patients were admitted to our spinal cord unit between 1975 and 1990. We studied nine patients (five males and four females), with a mean age of 49 years, and not belonging to any professional risk group except for one patient. At discharge, there was an improvement in sphincter control, execution of daily living activities and walking ability. No improvement was found in the neurological status. In conclusion we emphasize the importance of the prevention, early diagnosis and adequate treatment of the condition to minimise the neurological sequelae.