title: Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis as a complication of an abdominal stab wound.
abstract: Haematogenous seeding from the genitourinary tract and the rectosigmoid region may cause pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis. Diagnosis is often difficult due to misleading symptoms. Infection in this case arose as a complication of an abdominal stab wound which has been reported only once previously. Our patient suffered from increasing back pain for two months after the abdominal stab wound and laparotomy, before the true nature of the disease was diagnosed. The diagnosis was confirmed radiologically and by blood culture (Staphylococcus aureus). ASTA (antistaphylolysin titre) appeared to have diagnostic value in continuing hidden staphylococcal infection. Antibiotics and bed rest were effective in treatment. The patient subsequently made a full recovery and returned to his work. The physical signs and the principles of diagnosis and management of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000097:blood; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; C006603:antistaphylolysin