[Vertebral osteomyelitis in adults].

Back pain is a frequent reason for consultation. Although commonplace most of the time, back pain can sometimes be the only symptom of vertebral osteomyelitis, an infection that usually affects an intervertebral disc and the two adjacent vertebrae. Microbiology varies with the host's risk factors and local epidemiology. MRI is the preferred radiologic modality. Nevertheless, the definitive diagnosis is based on microbiological and histopathological elements. Antibiotic therapy alone may in some cases lead to cure, while in other cases the use of surgery is necessary. If it isn't diagnosed in time, vertebral osteomyelitis can have serious consequences. Thus, the physician must be familiar with the anamnestic, clinical and paraclinical elements that will bring him to actively look for this disease.