Diskitis

Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Inflammation of the intervertebral disc space in children probably due to low grade bacterial or viral infection. Most commonly seen in the lumbar spine

Pathology:
Not applicable

Imaging Findings:
Plain film findings lag behind symptoms. By three weeks after initial infection the disc space is partially decreased due to disc destruction. Over the next few months irregularity of adjacent endplates with reactive sclerosis is seen. The pedicles and lamina are not involved. After recovery there is often an increase in the AP dimension of vertebral body and an increase in disc height.

DDX:

• Not applicable

References:
See References Chapter.

Section Top | Title Page

See related Provider Topics Bone Diseases or Bones, Joints and Muscles.

See related Patient Topics Bone Diseases or Bones, Joints and Muscles.

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