USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Vertebral osteomyelitis is an infection of the vertebrae that can lead to several complications due to the proximity of the spinal structures and the potential for infection to spread. One common complication associated with vertebral osteomyelitis is the development of an epidural abscess.

An epidural abscess occurs when infection spreads into the epidural space, which is located between the outer layer of the spinal cord and its surrounding bone. This can happen as a result of direct extension from adjacent structures, such as infected vertebrae, or from hematogenous spread. The presence of an epidural abscess can result in significant neurological deficits due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, and timely recognition and intervention are critical to prevent irreversible damage.

In contrast, while pulmonary embolism, brain abscess, and pneumothorax are serious medical conditions, they are not directly linked as common complications of vertebral osteomyelitis. Pulmonary embolism typically results from deep vein thrombosis and is not a result of vertebral infections. A brain abscess can occur due to hematogenous spread from distant infections, but it is unlikely to relate to osteomyelitis specifically. Pneumothorax relates to lung issues and