Facet joint osteomyelitis in a patient on long-term hemodialysis

Spinal osteomyelitis is a recognized complication in dialysis patients related to hematogenous spread of infection during bacteremia-septicemia. These episodes are often associated with sepsis due to temporary dialysis access. We describe the case of an unfortunate man whose osteomyelitis was located in the posterior facet joints. Such infection is rare and in the reviewed literature is usually associated with a more favorable outcome than described here. (C) 2000 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.