Background: Despite advances in imaging and antimicrobial therapy, infectious spondylodiscitis remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable due to comorbidities, delayed diagnosis and limited treatment tolerance.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of age on complications, treatment tolerance, length of hospitalization and mortality in patients with infectious spondylodiscitis.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 40 patients treated for infectious spondylodiscitis between 2018 and 2022. Patients were classified into elderly (≥65 years) and younger (<65 years) groups. Infectious and treatment-related complications, therapeutic strategies, length of hospital stay and outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results: Complications related to infection were more frequent in elderly patients, including neurological impairment, spinal deformities and functional sequelae. Treatment-related adverse effects were also more common in elderly patients, reflecting reduced tolerance to prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Elderly patients had significantly longer hospital stays (p=0.049). Although conservative medical treatment was effective in most cases, mortality was higher in elderly patients (15.8%) compared with younger patients. Younger patients generally showed better clinical recovery and fewer complications.

Conclusions: Advanced age is a major determinant of poor outcomes in infectious spondylodiscitis, with increased complication rates, reduced treatment tolerance and higher mortality. Elderly patients require early diagnosis, close monitoring and individualized therapeutic strategies.

REFERENCES: NIL.

Acknowledgments: NIL.

Disclosure of Interests: None declared.