Osteomyelitis causing paralysis?

Hi
I was in a major MVA and all of my lower extremities were broken and or crushed. My pelvis and hip required surgeries and the attachment of metal plates. While in the hospital I developed a staph infection and was required to go through more surgery to 'flush' the infected areas.
About six weeks later, I started having severe lower back pain could no longer sit up. I also noticed that I could no longer move the toes on my right foot, whereas before I was able too.
They doctors did a spinal tap and dignosed dacute osteomyelitis in the L5 S1 vertebra. They started treatment immediately via injected antibiotics and also prescribed Cipro.
My question is this: can osteomyelitis of the spine cause partial paralysis and/or nerve damage? I was in significant pain from the accident but I do not recall having the kind of unbearable nerve damage pain that I later developed. I also find it odd that while in the hospital I was still able to move/wiggle my toes but after the infection I no longer could. It wasn't until AFTER the Osteomyelitis was diagnosed that my doctor did a nerve conduction study and found the massive nerve damage from which I was suffering. I just want to know if the reason I can no longer use my right foot is due to complications from my infection.
I also want to know if there are any symptoms I should watch out for to make sure I am aware if a reoccurence happens.
Thank you for any help you can offer.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The Staph infection is a common cause of osteomyelitis in the spine. And sensory loss is common. Incidence of paralysis in the lumbar spine osteomyelitis, as compared to the cervical spine osteomyelitis, is less, but it is there.

The infection may spread upwards. Spinal roots at higher levels may also show signs of nerve damage. The infection has to be controlled.

Regards