Risk factors are recent trauma, diabetes , hemodialysis patients, and IV drug abuse . The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people. A physical examination shows bone tenderness, and possibly swelling and redness. A CBC shows elevated white blood cell count . The ESR is elevated.
Blood cultures identify the causative organism.
A needle aspiration of vertebral space for culture may be done. A bone lesion biopsy and culture is positive for the organism. The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection and prevent the development of chronic infection. High-dose intravenous antibiotics are started immediately, and may later be changed depending on culture results. In chronic infection, surgical removal of dead bone tissue is indicated.