Fungal spinal infections: a narrative review on diagnosis, treatment strategies, and collaborative management approaches

Introduction: (found globally).This review on fungal spinal infections examines patient demographics, medicinal treatments, surgical methods, and outcomes. Method: All PubMed articles on fungal spine infections were analysed, regardless of fungus, publication year, or spinal segment. The patient's age, gender, affected spinal section, microorganism, treatment regimens, surgical methods, follow-up period, and results were recorded. Results: (27.6%). Spondylodiscitis (35.8%) and osteomyelitis (31.3%) lead our review. The most frequent antifungals were triazoles (55%), followed by polyenes (31%). Most procedures (59.5%) were non-fixation. Back discomfort, fever, and neurological impairments were prominent signs of spine fungal infections. Blood tests, cultures, and MRI/CT scans were used to diagnose. Spondylodiscitis had a letality of 6.25%, spinal osteomyelitis of 11%. Recovery requires long-term monitoring. Conclusion: The review emphasises the significance of early detection and treatment, individualised antifungal regimens, and surgery in specific cases to enhance fungal spinal infection outcomes. Spine surgeons and radiologists must work together to solve diagnostic and therapeutic issues.