The Burden of Vertebral Osteomyelitis-An Analysis of the Workforce before and after Treatment

Although vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) has a major impact on morbidity, functional status, and quality of life, data concerning the influence on the patient's ability to work (ATW) are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the work status after VO-treatment as well as risk factors associated with loss of the ATW. We conducted a post-hoc analysis of data from a prospective VO-registry (2008-2019) supplemented by workforce data. Primary endpoint was the work status after one year (T1). Univariate analysis comparing patients' characteristics "at-work" versus "not-at-work" at T1 was performed. Of a total of 335 VO-patients, n = 52 (16%) were part of the workforce at time of diagnosis (T0), of which 22 (42%) failed to be part of the workforce at T1. A higher number of comorbidities and a body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m² were associated with a reduced ATW. VO in working age patients is a debilitating condition and associated with reduced patients' ATW. Patients engaged in heavy physical work mostly had a BMI < 25 kg/m² and therefore were more severely affected and no longer able to keep their workforce. More support in retraining should be offered after successful treatment to maintain ATW and reduce the socio-economic burden.