Vertebral Osteomyelitis

What is vertebral osteomyelitis?

Spinal osteomyelitis is a type of spinal infection that specifically affects the vertebrae. While vertebral osteomyelitis is relatively rare, accounting for only 2-4% of all bone infections, spinal infections in general can have serious consequences if left untreated. Common causes of spinal infections include bacterial or fungal organisms, which may spread to the spine through the bloodstream from infections elsewhere in the body. Risk factors include recent spinal surgery, intravenous drug use, and conditions that weaken the immune system. Typical symptoms of spinal infections include persistent back pain, fever, and neurological deficits in advanced cases. Diagnosis often involves blood tests to check for signs of infection, as well as imaging studies such as MRI to visualize the affected area of the spine. Treatment usually consists of long-term antibiotic therapy, with surgery sometimes necessary in cases involving neurological complications or spinal instability.

A bone infection, also called osteomyelitis, occurs when bacteria invade and infect the bones. Cuts, wounds, and traumatic injuries can lead to a bone infection. Bacteria enter the body through the broken skin of the wound and infect nearby bones.

When the infection is in the vertebrae of the spine, it’s called vertebral osteomyelitis. It usually occurs by the spread of bacteria through the blood to the spine.

Symptoms

• Neck pain
• Back pain that is worse with activity
• Fever and chills may also occur

Treatment

If you suspect you have a bone infection, see your doctor right away. If you have a high fever or severe pain, however, you should go to the ER.

Without treatment, osteomyelitis can worsen and lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. Other complications of untreated bone infections include bone fracture, deformity, and bone death.

A doctor will perform blood tests to look for inflammation and signs of infection. You will also get X-rays or an MRI to diagnose osteomyelitis. If things are still not clear, a biopsy might be needed to look at what is going on in the spine.

Treatment involves antibiotics either by mouth or by an IV. Surgery is rarely needed unless there is an implant in the back.