From 1971 to 1984 at the University of Rochester Medical Center, 23 adult patients underwent surgical treatment via an anterior approach for pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis. Data from 21 patients with greater than 2-year follow-up is presented in this report. Surgical debridement via an anterior approach was performed in all 21 patients. Bone grafting with iliac crest or rib strut was done in 19 patients. Clinical follow-up averaged 4 years, with a range of 2 years to 9 years, 9 months. No patient had a recurrence of osteomyelitis. All patients with neurologic deficits recovered without functional motor or sensory deficits. Of the 19 patients grafted, 18 showed roentgenographic evidence of fusion, and one went on to a pseudarthrosis. The average increase in kyphosis at the infection site was 3 degrees. In selected patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis requiring surgical treatment, anterior debridement and primary bone grafting in conjunction with appropriate antibiotics is successful in treating the infection and promoting osseous fusion in a high percentage of cases.