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Acute haematogenous upper cervical osteomyelitis in neonates: a report of two cases

R Tomaszewski1, W Bijata

  • 1Department of Pediatric, Orthopedics and Traumatology Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, ul.Medykow 16, Poland. tomaszewski_r@poczta.onet.pl

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|May 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Osteomyelitis in newborns is rare in the spine. Two neonates with cervical spine osteomyelitis successfully recovered with conservative antibiotic treatment and supportive care, showing no long-term neurological issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Haematogenous osteomyelitis commonly affects long bones in neonates and infants.
  • Osteomyelitis of the short or flat bones, particularly the cervical spine, is exceptionally rare in this age group.

Observation:

  • Two cases of neonates presenting with osteomyelitis of the upper cervical spine (C2-C4 and C1-C2 vertebrae) are described.
  • Diagnosis was delayed in both cases.

Findings:

  • Both neonates achieved successful outcomes with conservative management, including antibiotics, cervical collar, and needle aspiration.
  • Follow-up MRIs at 6 and 7 years revealed no persistent neurological deficits and normal cervical spinal canal diameter.

Implications:

  • Conservative treatment can be effective for spinal osteomyelitis in neonates.
  • Early recognition and prompt management are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
  • This case series expands the understanding of rare spinal infections in neonates.

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