Vertebral osteomyelitis
Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Vertebral osteomyelitis (pronounced: ver-tee-bral os-tee-o-my-uh-li-tis) is a rare, but serious condition that involves infection of the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine.
Etymology
The term "vertebral osteomyelitis" is derived from three Greek words: "vertebra", which means joint, "osteon" which means bone, and "myelo" which means marrow, and "itis" which means inflammation. Thus, the term literally means inflammation of the bone marrow in the vertebrae due to an infection.
Causes
Vertebral osteomyelitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can reach the vertebrae through the bloodstream or from nearby tissue. Risk factors include diabetes, immunosuppression, and recent spinal surgery or injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vertebral osteomyelitis include severe back pain, fever, chills, weight loss, and muscle weakness. If the infection spreads to the nerves, it can cause numbness and tingling in the limbs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, MRI, and biopsy of the affected bone.
Treatment
Treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection and pain management to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the infected bone and stabilize the spine.
Related Terms
- Osteomyelitis: A broader term for any infection in a bone.
- Discitis: Inflammation of the intervertebral disc space that can occur alongside vertebral osteomyelitis.
- Spondylodiscitis: A condition that involves both discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vertebral osteomyelitis
- Wikipedia's article - Vertebral osteomyelitis
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