What is Spinal osteomyelitis?
Bacterias like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are commonly responsible for osteomyelitis. In addition, fungi and mycobacteria can also cause spinal or vertebral osteomyelitis.
Vertebral osteomyelitis is a type of bone infection caused by bacteria. It is most commonly found in the spine’s vertebrae, but it can spread to the epidural and intervertebral disc spaces. Osteomyelitis is uncommon and most commonly seen in young children and the elderly, but it can strike anyone at any age.
How does osteomyelitis spread?
- Bloodstream: An infection can start in one part of the body and spread to the bone via the bloodstream.
- Following a surgery or injury, infected tissue or an infected prosthetic joint.
- Open wounds: Infected skin like skin sore, muscles, or tendons close to the bone may spread the infection.
The lumbar spine, i.e., the lower back, is the most commonly affected by vertebral osteomyelitis. The thoracic spine, i.e., the middle and upper back, is the most common location, followed by the cervical spine (neck). Sacral osteomyelitis can also occur (base of the spine).
Bacteria, fungi, or other organisms can cause the infection. Osteomyelitis can be:
- Acute (short-term) or
- Chronic (long-term).
What are the common symptoms of spinal osteomyelitis?
Symptoms of vertebral osteomyelitis vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. It can result in any of the following symptoms:
- Backache.
- Unknown cause of weight loss.
- Sweating excessively.
- Fever, Chill, and Fatigue.
- Swelling, redness, and warmth near the infection site.
- Pain in the vicinity of the infection.
- Torticollis (failure to straighten the neck) occurs when a condition in the cervical spine occurs.
How is the diagnosis of spinal osteomyelitis made?
What are the treatments available for spinal osteomyelitis?
What are the operations/ surgical treatments available for spinal osteomyelitis?
Dr. Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and is an expert in treating osteomyelitis in the spine in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your treatment on osteomyelitis in the spine.