[Spondylodiscitis in children and adolescents]

Abstract

Background: Spondylodiscitis in children is rare. The condition has an incidence of 2 to 4 % of all infectious skeletal diseases in children.

Aim: Aim of the article is the presentation of epidemiology, the clinical signs, radiological findings as well the treatment options of non-specific and specific spondylodiscitis in children.

Methods: The available literature was reviewed.

Results: Non-specific spondylodiscitis in children is caused by haematogenous spread of pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently detected bacterium. The clinical signs are unspecific and an Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the spine is the standard radiological procedure to detect spondylodiscitis. In general, the treatment is conservative and includes an antibiotic therapy as well an immobilization of the spine. In endemic areas of the world, specific spondylodiscitis is more common and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Brucellae. The treatment is also conservative. For all entities of spondylodiscitis in children, a surgical intervention is only necessary in the case of severe deformities due to the infection or in the case of neurological symptoms.

Conclusion: Elevated infectious laboratory values and back pain or other unspecific symptoms can indicate spondylodiscitis in children. MRI of the spine is necessary to rule out spondylodiscitis.

Keywords: Brucella; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Specific and unspecific infection of the spine; Spondylodiscitis in children; Treatment of spondylodiscitis.