Aureus Vertebral Osteomyelitis Loss of disk space with destruction of adjacent vertebral endplates, with or without vertebral sclerosis or adacent soft tissue masses is characteristic of vertebral osteomyelitis, especially in the appropriate clinical setting with appropriate risk factors. Obviously depends on patient population, etc.
Infection then perforates endplate to extend into intervertebral disk.
Subsequently invades adjacent vertebral body with loss of disk space.