Metastatic osteomyelitis after pubovaginal sling using bone anchors.

We report a case of osteomyelitis with metastasis to the T10 vertebra related to bone anchor use with pubovaginal sling. The morbidity was significant: long-term intravenous antibiotics, multiple surgeries to correct the problem, and subsequent chronic pelvic pain. Given that this complication is unheard of after standard fascia or allograft sling, consideration should be given before bone anchor use in women at risk for wound infection (diabetes, obesity, or reoperation). Minimally, patients should be told of the possibility of this severe complication in the informed consent with bone anchor use.