The fate of autogenous bone graft in surgically treated pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis.

A retrospective study of all surgically treated patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis grafted with autogenous bone for stability from 1980 to 1985 at the University of Miami and from 1985 to 1987 at Portsmouth Naval Hospital was performed. Eradication of infection occurred in all patients. Infection resolution occurred equally well in cases caused by gram-positive, gram-negative, and multiple organisms. In those patients requiring surgical treatment for pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, we found placement of autogenous bone graft at the time of primary debridement not to hinder eradication of infection. Arthrodesis occurred in 96% of the cases (26 of 27 patients).