In recent years, there has been an increase in scientific production on native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO), a condition whose incidence is rising and that can be highly detrimental to health. However, there is no consensus on the definition of this syndrome in the medical community. Therefore, we propose a new framework to synthesize the diagnostic tools at our disposal. This can help to advance research further and guide patient care more effectively.

Our study investigated olecranon septic bursitis treatment, focusing on postsurgical antibiotic use. Analyzing 22 years of Mayo Clinic data, we found that smoking and not administering antibiotics following surgery led to poorer outcomes. A 3-week antibiotic course following surgery was most effective. Our findings suggest that a subset of patients may benefit from longer courses of antibiotics; however, further research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Physicians have difficulties interpreting the isolation of Cutibacterium acnes in the spine tissue. Here we provide the experience of our center about this topic, adding data that can help physicians in their choices. Our results show that some clinical, radiological, and microbiological features can help distinguish patients to treat or not to treat. Moreover, treatment with parenteral beta-lactams appears to be effective, but targeted oral therapy could be a valid alternative.

This retrospective case-matched study evaluated males and females with staphylococcal PJI (periprosthetic joint infection) treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty. We matched 156 males and females for age, type of staphylococcal infection, and joint involved. We compared clinical parameters related to presentation, treatment, and outcome. We did not find a statistically significant difference in outcome between males and females treated with the same surgical approach at our institution.

Despite a growing interest in oral therapy for native vertebral osteomyelitis, there is no evidence to recommend oral or parenteral therapy. From our single-center experience combined with a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the available literature, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is a difference in proportion of failure and relapse between an early switch to oral antibiotics and prolonged parenteral therapy. Further studies are needed to increase the evidence.