[Spondylodiscitis in children and adolescents]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Pediatric Radiology

Background:

• Spondylodiscitis in children is a rare condition, accounting for 2-4% of pediatric skeletal infections.
• It can be classified as non-specific (bacterial) or specific (e.g., tuberculosis, brucellosis).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the epidemiology, clinical signs, radiological findings, and treatment options for pediatric spondylodiscitis.
• To differentiate between non-specific and specific forms of the condition in children.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of the available medical literature was conducted.
• The review focused on identifying key aspects of pediatric spondylodiscitis diagnosis and management.

Main Results:

• Non-specific spondylodiscitis in children often results from Staphylococcus aureus via hematogenous spread.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for diagnosing spondylodiscitis, revealing unspecific clinical signs.
• Conservative treatment, including antibiotics and spinal immobilization, is generally effective. Specific spondylodiscitis is more prevalent in endemic regions.
• Surgical intervention is reserved for cases with severe deformities or neurological compromise.

Conclusions:

• Elevated infectious markers and symptoms like back pain warrant consideration of spondylodiscitis in children.
• MRI of the spine is crucial for ruling out or confirming the diagnosis of pediatric spondylodiscitis.