Discitis

Revision as of 07:39, 19 February 2012 by Jswartz (talk | contribs)

Background

  • Infection of nucleus pulposus due to infection of vertebral body endplate cartilage
  • Risk Factors: peds, post-op, immunocompromised

Clinical Features

  • >90% p/w unremitting back or neck pain which awakens them at night
  • Fever (60-70%)
  • Neuro deficits (10-50%)
  • ESR elevation (>90%)
  • Leukocytosis (<50%)

Diagnosis

  • Labs
    • ESR elevated
  • Imaging
    • Plain films are rarely positive
    • MRI is gold standard

Treatment

  • IV abx

Disposition

  • Admit to spine service

Source

  • Rosen's
  • Tintinalli