Discitis
is a low-grade infection that affects the disc space between two vertebrae. Although
discitis is uncommon, children under ten are usually the ones affected by this
condition which is the result of an inflammation caused by staphylococcus, viruses
or other inflammatory processes.
Discitis is characterized by the slow onset of severe back pain and may or may
not be associated with fever, chills, sweats, feeling tired, loss of appetite
or other symptoms. The diagnosis is usually made by seeing narrowing of the disc
space between two vertebrae and a bone scan that shows that the disc and adjacent
vertebrae are "hot" on the scan. This condition can be very painful
and is often aggravated by any movement of the spine. The pain often travels to
other parts of the body including the abdomen, hip, leg, or groin. It usually
occurs in the lower (lumbar) back and upper (thoracic) back.
 It is a non-tubercular infection of the spine. The adjacent vertebral margins
of the infected disc become eroded, with the degree of erosion depending on
the amount of destruction resulting from the infection. The areas of erosion
become recalcified as the healing process occurs and eventually an interbody
fusion is evidence of a successful resolution of the disease.
Young children with this condition are usually irritable and uncomfortable
and refuse to sit up, stand or walk. The treatment of discitis generally involves
antibiotics, rest, and a brace. Surgery is rarely needed.
Click here to find a doctor who treats discitis.
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| Published: February 21, 2008 |
Updated: February 21, 2008 |
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