Epidemiology of acute vertebral osteomyelitis in Denmark - 137 cases in Denmark 1978-1982, compared to cases reported to the National Patient Register 1991-1993

We studied the epidemiology of acute, non-tuberculous, hematogenous vertebr al osteomyelitis in Denmark during 1978-1982. 137 patients fulfilled the cr iteria for acute vertebral osteomyelitis. The incidence was 5/mill/year. Th ere were no cases in the age group 20-29 years. The highest incidence was b etween 60-69 years (18/mill/year). The prevalence was 15 cases. The mean du ration of the disease was 7 months. The lumbar spine was affected in 59%, t he thoracic spine in 33% and the cervical spine in 8% of the cases. Insulin -dependent diabetes and treatment with systemic corticosteroids seemed to b e significant risk factors, but not rheumatoid arthritis and abuse of alcoh ol or intravenous drugs. We found no demographic variables of importance fo r the incidence. In 46%, a primary focus was identified, urinary tract infe ction being the commonest. According to the National Patient Register 1991- 1993, the relative number of reported patients with vertebral osteomyelitis had increased in the age group 20-49 years, compared to 1973-1982, but the incidence was highest in the group aged 60-79 years.