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Vertebral osteomyelitis

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Vertebral osteomyelitis is a rare infection of the vertebrae and intervertebral spaces.

The infection can be caused by various microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites).

Its main symptom is pain at the level of the spine (which does not improve or may even increase in intensity), fever, functional abnormality of a part of the body, general weakness, abnormal loss of appetite and involuntary weight loss.

Diagnosis is based on clinical history, a full physical examination, blood tests and cultures, and imaging studies.

Treatment is based on immobilisation, medication to control symptoms, thrombotic prophylaxis, nutritional support, antimicrobial treatment and, depending on the patient's progress, surgical treatment.

Bibliographic references
  1. Malcolm McDonald, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA. Vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis in adults. May 18, 2016. UpToDate.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Franklin D. Lowy. Infecciones estafilocócias. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 954:963.
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Pain in the spine

    Fever / Feel very hot

    Tiredness / fatigue

    Pain increases with movement and recedes with rest

    Back pain that increases when touched

Symptoms to watch out for

High fever (39 ºC or more)
Excessive sudoration
10% weight loss in a week
Muscle weakness

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Maintain a balanced diet: increase fruit, vegetable, and white meat consumption and reduce the intake of fatty meals and fritters.
Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for antibiotics.
Try not to lift heavy objects.
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