Spontaneous vertebral osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Few reports in the literature have documented 'spontaneous' vertebral osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus epidermidis. Herein, we describe a case of S. epidermidis lumbar osteomyelitis presenting as progressive back pain, but without a known port of entry or underlying pre-existing high-risk predisposing conditions. A low threshold for the consideration of infectious osteomyelitis is warranted in persons presenting with new, progressive back pain.