Anatomic Basis for the Pathogenesis and Radiologic Features of Vertebral Osteomyelitis and its Differentiation from Childhood Discitis

Abstract

Microarteriography has demonstrated the anatomy which explains the pathogenesis and radiologic features of adult vertebral osteomyelitis and of childhood discitis. Infarction is caused in the metaphysis by a septic embolus. The intraosseous arteries in children are anastomotic and a small portion of bone is destroyed. In adults a larger portion of bone is destroyed because the intraosseous arteries are end-arteries and septic thrombosis spreads into peripheral intraosseous arteries. The disc is avascular at all ages and is attacked by infection equally. The trans-equatorial spread of osteomyelitis occurs via an artery which is first described here. It joins the metaphyseal anastomoses of the same vertebral body in the midline.