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Intervertebral disc space inflammation in children
1Division of Neurosurgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Abstract:
Discitis in children commonly presents with fever, back pain, irritability, and an inability to walk. An elevated ESR and characteristic changes on plain X-rays or bone scan are sufficient for diagnosis, but MRI is more sensitive and more specific, and it shows pathologic changes earlier. Intravenous antibiotics are administered when cultures of the disc space are positive, but in more than half of the cases, no organism can be grown. Symptoms are alleviated with bed-rest or external orthoses, but neither the duration nor the kind of symptomatic treatment influences outcome.
Insights
Pediatric discitis, an infection of the spine, presents with fever and back pain. While imaging aids diagnosis, treatment outcomes are not affected by antibiotic choice or symptom management duration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Musculoskeletal infections
- Diagnostic imaging in pediatrics
Background:
- Discitis in children is a significant cause of back pain and mobility issues.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
- Current diagnostic methods include imaging and laboratory tests, with varying sensitivity and specificity.