Pyogenic Osteomyelitis of the Spine

Abstract

Symptoms in osteomyelitis of the spine depend on the extent of bony involvement and on the anatomic site and its relationship to segmental nerves, pleura and peritoneum. The lumbar spine is most often affected and back pain is the usual presenting symptom. Often there is a time lag between clinical manifestation and development of radiographic abnormalities. The similarities and differences between pyogenic and tuberculous osteomyelitis are discussed.