Pyogenic spinal osteomyelitis: a review of 61 cases

The presentation and outcome of 61 cases of nontuberculous spinal osteomyelitis were reviewed. Although the commonest presentation was subacute, with back pain predominating, 10% had septicaemia and 7% paraperesis or paraplegia. Most infections were caudal to the fourth thoracic vertebra. One third were associated with preceding urinary, respiratory, dental or abdominal sepsis. Staphylococcus aureus was the infecting organism in 85% of isolates. Delay in diagnosis was frequent. There were four deaths, and seven individuals remained severely disabled: outcome was otherwise satisfactory. An algorithm for the investigation and management of this uncommon but serious condition is proposed.