Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones of the spine. It is usually caused by bacteria. Certain disorders seem to predispose people to infections of the bones of the spine. They include diabetes, sickle-cell disease and anything that adversely affects the immune system. Children who develop osteomyelitis most commonly have in in the vertebra or long bones. Adults develop osteomyelitis most commonly in the pelvis or the spine. Bacterial infections are usually of rapid onset. Chronic infections with tuberculosis or fungus may also infect the spine. Infections of the bones of the spine may spread to the adjacent discs. The infection may also spread to the spinal canal, where compression, thrombophlebitis or meningitis can lead to neurological symptoms. As the bones become damaged they may undergo fractures with minimal stress. These compression fractures can lead to increased pain, spinal deformity and neurological symptoms.
Causes of Osteomyelitis Of The Spine
Osteomyelits is usually caused by bacterial infections, often spread from another source of bacteria. Tuberculosis frequently involves the spine. Use of intravenous drugs and indwelling catheters are risk factors. Impaired immunity is also a major risk factor.
Signs and Symptoms of Osteomyelitis Of The Spine
In bacterial osteomyelitis of the spine, there is the rapid onset of back or neck pain in the affected area. Muscle spasms are common and any movement tends to increase the pain. Fever and chills develop. If the nervous system is involved, weakness, numbness or loss of bowel and bladder function can occur. Chronic forms of osteomyelitis of the spine most commonly occur with tuberculosis. Here there is weight loss, nights sweats and fever. There is pain over the affected bone, commonly at the junction between the chest and the low back. Pus may track along the side of the spine over the psoas muscle. This can produce pain in the groin or a mass in the groin. Spinal deformity may develop as the involved bones weaken and may fracture. A prominence where the spine becomes acutely angled, a gibbus, may develop.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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