Name of the Condition

• Osteomyelitis of vertebra, site unspecified. Commonly referred to as vertebral osteomyelitis.

Summary

• Vertebral osteomyelitis is a serious infection of the vertebral bones in the spine. It occurs primarily when bacteria or fungi invade the bones, leading to inflammation and potentially damaging the spinal structure.

Causes

• The condition is commonly caused by bacterial infections, often Staphylococcus aureus. It may also result from fungal infections or spread from a nearby infection or through the bloodstream from another part of the body.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include advanced age, diabetes, immune suppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer), intravenous drug use, recent surgery or invasive procedures, and existing infections.

Symptoms

• Patients may experience back pain, fever, chills, weight loss, and fatigue. Neurological symptoms can manifest if the infection affects the spinal cord.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing vertebral osteomyelitis may involve blood tests to identify infection markers, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans for detailed views of the spine, and possibly a biopsy to identify the causative microorganism.

Treatment Options

• Treatment typically includes antibiotics or antifungal medications to eradicate the infection. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove infected tissue or stabilize the vertebrae. Pain management and physical therapy may also be part of the treatment plan.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally favorable, but recovery may be slow. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor treatment efficacy and manage any potential complications.

Complications

• If untreated, vertebral osteomyelitis can lead to spinal instability, chronic pain, or neurological deficits due to spinal cord compression. Severe cases may result in sepsis or permanent disability.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining good hygiene and promptly treating infections can help prevent vertebral osteomyelitis. For at-risk individuals, avoiding intravenous drug use and managing chronic conditions like diabetes is essential.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical attention if experiencing persistent back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness, especially after surgery or with a history of infection.

Additional Resources

• Reliable information is available from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm that the diagnosis does not specify a particular site to match ICD code M46.20. Ensure detailed documentation supports the coding of unspecified vertebral osteomyelitis.
• Avoid coding errors by distinguishing this condition from other site-specific osteomyelitis diagnoses.