There are various techniques available for percutaneous biopsy of suspected diskitis/osteomyelitis. Our technique has evolved as our experience with percutaneous vertebroplasty has grown. By using a transpedicular approach, we angle a bone biopsy needle in an exaggerated caudocranial trajectory to allow eventual access across the disk space above. This approach permits sampling of the disk spac...

A 72-year-old man presented with acute neck pain on top of a background of chronic ill health, weakness, intermittent night sweats and progressive weight loss. Vertebral osteomyelitis and spondylodiscitis of the cervical spine as well as meningitis were diagnosed after some delay. Streptococcus bovis endocarditis was later diagnosed as the source of septic emboli to the bones and meninges. Furt...