Evaluation of thin needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis and management of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO).

摘要

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Needle aspiration biopsy is generally necessary to confirm the clinical and/or radiographic suspicion of VO. This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of thin needle aspiration biopsy in confirming the diagnosis and identifying the etiologic agent of VO.A retrospective chart review was conducted at a metropolitan teaching hospital in New York, USA. Patients were identified by discharge diagnosis and from records in the radiology department of patients who underwent needle bone biopsy. Patients with sacral osteomyelitis and history of vertebral surgery were excluded.