Articles | Volume 9, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-173-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-173-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Review
| 
24 Jun 2024
Review |
| 24 Jun 2024
| 24 Jun 2024
It is time for a unified definition of native vertebral osteomyelitis: a framework proposal
Francesco Petri
Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, “L. Sacco” University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
Omar Mahmoud
Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
Said El Zein
Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
Ahmad Nassr
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
Brett A. Freedman
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
Jared T. Verdoorn
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
Aaron J. Tande
Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
Elie F. Berbari
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
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J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 451–457, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-451-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-451-2025, 2025
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The rising rate of spinal surgeries has led to more postoperative infections, yet no standardized diagnostic criteria exist. We analyzed over 100 studies and found considerable variation in definitions. Our findings underscore the need for a unified diagnostic framework that integrates clinical signs, laboratory data, and imaging to enhance diagnostic accuracy, support clinical decision-making, and improve consistency in future research.
Fabio Borgonovo, Francesco Petri, Takahiro Matsuo, Rita Igwilo-Alaneme, Seyed Mohammad Amin Alavi, Omar K. Mahmoud, Said El Zein, Matteo Passerini, Mohammad Hassan Murad, Daniel C. DeSimone, Ahmad Nassr, Aaron J. Tande, Andrea Gori, and Elie F. Berbari
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We studied a serious double infection affecting the heart and spine, often seen in older or immunocompromised patients. By analyzing systematic data from the literature, we found that this condition leads to high death rates, especially when caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Our work highlights the urgent need for higher-quality studies and better coordinated care. These findings may help guide future treatment strategies and improve outcomes for affected patients.
Seyed Mohammad Amin Alavi, Fabio Borgonovo, Francesco Petri, Takahiro Matsuo, Andrea Gori, Jeremy D. Shaw, Aaron J. Tande, and Elie F. Berbari
J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 451–457, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-451-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-451-2025, 2025
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The rising rate of spinal surgeries has led to more postoperative infections, yet no standardized diagnostic criteria exist. We analyzed over 100 studies and found considerable variation in definitions. Our findings underscore the need for a unified diagnostic framework that integrates clinical signs, laboratory data, and imaging to enhance diagnostic accuracy, support clinical decision-making, and improve consistency in future research.
Fabio Borgonovo, Francesco Petri, Takahiro Matsuo, Rita Igwilo-Alaneme, Seyed Mohammad Amin Alavi, Omar K. Mahmoud, Said El Zein, Matteo Passerini, Mohammad Hassan Murad, Daniel C. DeSimone, Ahmad Nassr, Aaron J. Tande, Andrea Gori, and Elie F. Berbari
J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 425–435, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-425-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-425-2025, 2025
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We studied a serious double infection affecting the heart and spine, often seen in older or immunocompromised patients. By analyzing systematic data from the literature, we found that this condition leads to high death rates, especially when caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Our work highlights the urgent need for higher-quality studies and better coordinated care. These findings may help guide future treatment strategies and improve outcomes for affected patients.
Pansachee Damronglerd, Ryan Bijan Khodadadi, Said El Zein, Jack William McHugh, Omar M. Abu Saleh, Mark Edward Morrey, Aaron Joseph Tande, and Gina Ann Suh
J. Bone Joint Infect., 10, 25–31, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-25-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-10-25-2025, 2025
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Our 10-year multicenter study examines the epidemiology, presentation, management, and outcomes of elbow native joint septic arthritis, a rare condition with risks like reoperation and mortality. Common symptoms included pain and swelling. Synovial fluid white blood cell counts were often low, with monosodium urate crystals also noted. Staphylococcus aureus was the main pathogen, and 72.2 % of patients underwent open debridement.
Said El Zein, Elie F. Berbari, Allison M. LeMahieu, Anil Jagtiani, Parham Sendi, Abinash Virk, Mark E. Morrey, and Aaron J. Tande
J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 107–115, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-107-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-107-2024, 2024
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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.
Pansachee Damronglerd, Eibhlin Higgins, Madiha Fida, Don Bambino Geno Tai, Aaron J. Tande, Matthew P. Abdel, and Omar M. Abu Saleh
J. Bone Joint Infect., 9, 99–106, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-99-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-9-99-2024, 2024
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This work investigates periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) following total joint arthroplasty. Eight patients were identified as part of a retrospective review. The isolated RGM species included Mycobacterium abscessus (three cases), M. fortuitum (three cases), and one case each of M. immunogenum and M. mageritense. We provide novel insights into the successful treatment of PJIs caused by newly identified RGM (M. immunogenum and M. mageritense).
Matteo Passerini, Julian Maamari, Don Bambino Geno Tai, Robin Patel, Aaron J. Tande, Zelalem Temesgen, and Elie F. Berbari
J. Bone Joint Infect., 8, 143–149, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-143-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-143-2023, 2023
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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.
Eibhlin Higgins, Don Bambino Geno Tai, Brian Lahr, Gina A. Suh, Elie F. Berbari, Kevin I. Perry, Matthew P. Abdel, and Aaron J. Tande
J. Bone Joint Infect., 8, 125–131, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-125-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-8-125-2023, 2023
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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.
Matteo Passerini, Julian Maamari, Tarek Nayfeh, Leslie C. Hassett, Aaron J. Tande, Mohammad H. Murad, Zelalem Temesgen, and Elie F. Berbari
J. Bone Joint Infect., 7, 249–257, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-249-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-249-2022, 2022
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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.
Talha Riaz, Matthew Howard, Felix Diehn, Aaron Joseph Tande, Courtney Ross, Paul Huddleston, and Elie Berbari
J. Bone Joint Infect., 7, 213–219, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-213-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-213-2022, 2022
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In this study, we prospectively enrolled patients with a suspected diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO) undergoing image-guided needle aspiration of the intervertebral disc. Based on this pilot study, a high manual cell count or a high neutrophilic predominance from the disc aspirate was associated with the diagnosis of NVO.
Katharine Dobos, Gina A. Suh, Aaron J. Tande, and Shanthi Kappagoda
J. Bone Joint Infect., 7, 137–141, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-137-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-137-2022, 2022
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This paper describes five cases of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Infections occurred in both immune competent and immunosuppressed patients. Interestingly, using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society diagnostic criteria for PJI may miss some cases of MAC PJI. Treatment courses and outcomes are described.
Julian Maamari, Aaron J. Tande, Felix Diehn, Don Bambino Geno Tai, and Elie F. Berbari
J. Bone Joint Infect., 7, 23–32, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-23-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-7-23-2022, 2022
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The yearly incidence of native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO) is increasing. In 2013 the prevalence of NVO in the USA was 5.4 cases per 100 000. Delays in the diagnosis of NVO remain common, in part due to the insidious nature of the infection and its related symptoms. The mean time between the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of NVO is 45.5 d. We herein review available and novel diagnostic modalities at the disposal of healthcare providers to reach an accurate and timely diagnosis of NVO.
Miao Xian Zhou, Elie F. Berbari, Cory G. Couch, Scott F. Gruwell, and Alan B. Carr
J. Bone Joint Infect., 6, 363–366, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-6-363-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/jbji-6-363-2021, 2021
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This was written to outline Mayo Clinic guidelines on prophylactic antibiotics prior to invasive procedures in patients with prosthetic joints. There is an emphasis on maintaining optimal oral health to reduce the risk of infection to minimize the patient’s risk of PJI.
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Short summary
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.
In recent years, there has been an increase in scientific production on native vertebral...
