Vertebral body osteomyelitis: spectrum and natural history. A retrospective analysis of 37 cases

There has been a definite change in the natural history of vertebral osteomyelitis. At the turn of the century the disease was most often seen in younger people, accompanied by a high incidence of abscess formation and associated with a high mortality rate. Today the disease is more commonly seen in the older age groups and is only occasionally characterized by abscess formation. In addition it tends to be of a lower grade inflammatory reaction and has a better prognosis. A urinary tract infection is a common pre-existing condition. Diagnosis may be difficult particularly before the onset of destructive changes radiologically at 8 to 12 weeks. Biopsy by either open or closed methods might be necessary to establishe the diagnosis and isolate the causative organism which is usually Staphylococcus aureus. Epidural infection is the most devastating complication, particularly if neglected. The duration of treatment is determined by following the clinical symptoms, sedimentation rate, temperature curve and interval radiological changes. The prognosis is good and most patients will recover within one year.