Vertebral osteomyelitis is a rare infection of the vertebrae and intervertebral spaces.
The infection can be caused by different microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites).
Its main symptom is the existence of pain at the level of the spine (which does not improve or even increases in intensity), fever, functional abnormality of an area of the body, presence of general weakness, abnormal lack of desire to eat and involuntary weight loss.
Diagnosis is made through a clinical history, detailed complete physical examination, blood tests, cultures and imaging tests.
Treatment is based on immobilization, medication for symptom control, thrombotic prophylaxis, nutritional support, antimicrobial treatment and, depending on the evolution, surgical treatment.
- Malcolm McDonald, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA. Vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis in adults. May 18, 2016. UpToDate.
- Berbari EF, Kanj SS, Kowalski TJ, et al. 2015 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Adults. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 61:e26.
- Gupta A, Kowalski TJ, Osmon DR, et al. Long-term outcome of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: a cohort study of 260 patients. Open Forum Infect Dis 2014; 1:ofu107.
- Pigrau C, Rodríguez-Pardo D, Fernández-Hidalgo N, et al. Health care associated hematogenous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: a severe and potentially preventable infectious disease. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e365.
- Franklin D. Lowy. Infecciones estafilocócias. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 954:963.
