Discitis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Discitis is an infection in the intervertebral disc space that affects different age groups. There is debate as to the cause, although hematogenous seeding of the offending organism is favored as well as direct spread, e.g. following instrumentation. Symptoms include severe back pain, leading to lack of mobility. Some very young children may refuse to move. Diagnosis is usually apparent on MRI although plain X-rays and CT examinations can be suggestive. Treatment usually includes antibiotics, and reducing the mobility of the affected region, either with a back brace or a plaster cast. Without treatment, the patient may form an abscess which may need to be surgically corrected.