Infection
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To analyse the clinical, microbiological and radiological characteristics, and to identify risk factors of vertebral compressive fracture (VF) in spontaneous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (VO). ⋯ VF is a common complication in pyogenic VO that causes slower clinical recovery. Risk factors of VF are: osteopenia, a delayed diagnosis and dorsal involvement. Conservative management is probably appropriate for most cases, but spinal stabilisation should be considered in some specific cases.