Complications of vertebral osteomyelitis

Short-term complications	Longer-term complications
Epidural abscess, subdural abscess, meningitis Paraspinal abscess and extension (including psoas, retropharyngeal, mediastinal, subphrenic, retroperitoneal abscesses, or empyema) Extension of infection involving the aorta and/or vena cava Spinal cord and/or nerve root impingement with neurological consequences Vertebral body collapse Endocarditis*	Residual neurological deficit(s) Chronic back pain Depression

* In general, vertebral osteomyelitis is a complication of bacteremia; associated endocarditis may or may not be present.

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