Medical Encyclopedia

 

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Diskitis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Skeletal spine
Skeletal spine
Intervertebral disk
Intervertebral disk

Alternative Names    Return to top

Disk inflammation

Definition    Return to top

Diskitis is swelling (inflammation) and irritation of the space between the bones of the spine (intervertebral disk space).

Causes    Return to top

Diskitis is an uncommon condition. It is usually seen in children younger than age 10.

Diskitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Or it can be caused by other inflammation, such as from autoimmune diseases (conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks certain cells in the body). The upper back (thoracic) and low back (lumbar) disks are most commonly affected.

Diskitis can also be confused with problems related to hip pain.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

The goal is to treat the cause of the inflammation and reduce pain. Your child may receive anti-staphylococcal antibiotics if the health care provider suspects an infection. Autoimmune diseases are often treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

If the condition does not improve steroids may be given, although an infection should be ruled out first. Pain may be relieved with oral painkillers (analgesics) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Talk to the health care provider about the best choice of medications.

Bed rest or immobilization (which may require a body cast) may be recommended in some cases.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Children with an infection should fully recover after treatment. Chronic back pain from this condition is very rare.

In cases of autoimmune disease, the outcome depends on the condition. These are often chronic illnesses.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if your child has persistent back pain or problems with standing and walking that seem unusual for his or her age.

References    Return to top

Cottle L, Riordan T. Infectious spondylodiscitis. J Infect. 2008;56:401-412.

Update Date: 7/17/2008

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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