Vertebral osteomyelitis: Retrospective review of 11 years of experience

AbstractIntroduction: Infectious vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a significant source of morbidity that can lead to chronic sequelae. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical presentations and assess the outcomes of VO. Methods: A retrospective review of cases of VO admitted to an inpatient service between 1 January 2000 and 31 March 2012 was carried out. Cases had evidence of VO by clinical syndrome, imaging, histopathology, and/or microbiology. Outcomes assessed were implantation of prosthetic material for stabilization, hospital readmission for management of VO, repeat surgical intervention, and additional or prolonged courses of antibiotics. Results: Of 117 VO cases, a causative organism was identified in the majority (88.0%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated, followed by Streptococcus species. The most common infection site was the lumbar spine (55.5%). Surgical intervention was required in 81.2% of cases. Infections involving the lumbar vertebrae were ass...