PYOGENIC VERTEBRAL OSTEOMYELITIS OF THE POSTERIOR ELEMENTS

Lone pyogenic involvement of the posterior elements of the vertebrae i s a rare event, We present two cases of isolated lumbar vertebral infe ction of the posterior elements and review 13 cases previously reporte d in the literature. Clinical presentation, laboratory and radiographi c findings, microbiological etiology, and treatment were evaluated, Ba ck pain, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and computed tomo graphy or magnetic resonance imaging were most useful in identifying t he presence and extent of infection. Antibiotic therapy with or withou t surgical intervention was successful in all cases.