Delayed diagnosis of osteodiscitis in an adolescent athlete: a case report

Vertebral osteomyelitis (OM) is an infectious condition of bone caused by an infecting organism, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Though rare in adolescents, it is important to remember that this population has vascularized intervertebral discs prior to skeletal maturity and, therefore, is more susceptible to an osteodiscitis infection.

To determine the possible factors that lead to a delayed diagnosis of osteodiscitis compared to an early diagnosis in an adolescent athlete.

This case provides a unique example of osteodiscitis in an adolescent rowing athlete where an infected heel blister was the only indication toward a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and successful management of osteodiscitis are dependent on recognizing constitutional and non-constitutional signs and symptoms of infection.

In sport, when skin barriers may be compromised more readily, the risk of infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unprovoked back pain.