Juvenile discitis

Abstract

Over a period of three years four girls and two boys presented with discitis. All were less than 5 years old at presentation, and each had a short history of symptoms. Three were initially thought to have pathological defects of the abdomen. All children showed abnormal posturing with exaggerated lumbar lordosis. Diagnosis was essentially clinical. All cultures were sterile. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased in all the children and all had mild pyrexia. Symptoms lasted from two to 8 weeks. Discitis should be considered in any child with fever, abnormal posturing, and refusal to walk. Early recognition may avoid unnecessary diagnostic and treatment procedures.