Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Epidural Abscess

Severe spinal infections including vertebral osteomyelitis and spinal epidural abscess pose challenges in diagnosis and management. The evolution of epidemiologic risks for these processes includes the aging of the population, increase in spinal instrumentation procedures and health care-associated device utilization, and increased interconnection of the global community. Clinical presentation may be nonspecific, so clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent progression to long-standing morbidity. Collaboration with specialists in surgical treatment and infectious disease guides the complex management of these cases.