Vertebral osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones of the spine, the vertebrae.
The bony structure of the spine gets infected and subsequently becomes weakened or the infection exerts pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. The lumbar spine is the most common site, followed by thoracic, cervical and sacrum. The most common organism is Staphylococcus aureus. Numerous other organisms have also been described. Tuberculous osteomyelitis usually has a slower progression of symptoms.