The Role of Spinal Instability in Treating Unstable Infected Fractures

Vertebral (spinal) osteomyelitis is a rare spinal infection of the vertebral column that can be caused by bacteria or fungi. Though the initial treatment for all patients with vertebral osteomyelitis consists of antibiotics, surgery can be indicated in certain cases, such as in the presence of spinal instability or when antibiotics are not successfully eliminating the infection. Achieving spinal stability can be an important component of treating fracture-related infections, as instability can cause local damage and disrupt the healing process. The authors present the case of a patient with vertebral osteomyelitis that was not resolving with the administration of antibiotics in the context of a spinal fracture. A minimally invasive surgery was performed to achieve spinal stability and the infection soon resolved with antibiotics.