Unusual Case of Osteomyelitis and Discitis in a Drug User with a Background of Chronic Back Pain: Do Not Miss the Serious Etiologies

Table 1

“Red flags” for a potentially serious underlying cause for low back pain.

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Recent significant trauma or milder trauma age > 50

Osteoporosis, prolonged use of glucocorticoids

Intravenous (IV) drug use

Unexplained weight loss

History of cancer

Immunosuppression

Duration greater than 6 weeks

Focal neurologic deficit progressive or disabling symptoms

Unexplained fever

Age > 70

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