Osteomyelitis of the spine: treatments and future directions

BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis of the spine is a serious condition that has been increasing with the intravenous drug pandemic and aging population. Multiple different organisms can cause osteomyelitis and mainstay of treatment is early recognition and antibiotics. The course can sometimes be indolent leading to delayed presentations. Once suspected, comprehensive workup and initiation of management should be employed. In rare circumstances, surgical evacuation or deformity correction is indicated. Continued antibiotic treatment should be considered post-operatively. METHODS: Emerging treatment solutions are being developed to help target osteomyelitis in a more effective manner. In this review, we highlight the epidemiology and pathophysiology of spinal osteomyelitis. We overview the diagnostic workup and treatment options. Finally, we present new options that are currently being investigated and are on the near horizon. CONCLUSION: This review offers a user friendly resource for clinicians and researchers regarding osteomyelitis of the spine and will serve as a catalyst for further discovery.