Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
06:53
Modeling Primary Bone Tumors and Bone Metastasis with Solid Tumor Graft Implantation into Bone
Published on: September 9, 2020
3.0K
Adolescent vertebral osteomyelitis mimicking a neoplasm
Charlie D Wilson1, Joshua Lee1, Ronak Desai1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas.
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|January 18, 2021
Summary
Adolescent vertebral osteomyelitis can present with back pain and elevated inflammatory markers, leading to vertebral fractures. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment for Staphylococcus aureus are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Vertebral osteomyelitis is a rare but serious infection affecting the spine.
- Adolescent cases often present with non-specific symptoms, delaying diagnosis.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 14-year-old girl experienced atraumatic low back and flank pain.
- Elevated inflammatory markers and MRI revealed an L5 superior endplate fracture.
- Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was identified on cultures.
Findings:
- The case highlights a fracture as a presenting sign of vertebral osteomyelitis in an adolescent.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in vertebral osteomyelitis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering vertebral osteomyelitis in adolescents with back pain and elevated inflammatory markers.
- Prompt diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy are essential for managing pediatric vertebral osteomyelitis and preventing complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
4.9K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
4.9K
01:09Spongy Bone
6.8K
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
6.8K
01:17Gross Anatomy of Bone
8.1K
The two main features of a long bone are the diaphysis and the epiphysis.
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in...
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in...
8.1K
01:29Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
12.9K
Bones are dynamic organs that require a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients. Around 5% to 10% of the cardiac output supplies blood to the bones. A typical long bone has three main sources: the nutrient artery, the metaphyseal and epiphyseal arteries, and the periosteal arteries.
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
12.9K
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
3.5K
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during...
3.5K
01:27Compact Bone
15.1K
Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
15.1K