Pyogenic infectious spondylitis in children. The evolution to current thought.

Abstract

The historic evolution of pyogenic infectious spondylitis from its initial descriptions to its current characterization illustrates the degree to which our means of perception and evaluation influence our understanding of an illness. As new concepts resulting from medical innovations challenge traditional beliefs regarding the etiology and optimum treatment of pyogenic infectious spondylitis in children (commonly termed discitis), controversies have arisen. This review attempts to clarify these issues by reconstructing their historic basis and delineating the limitations of our current knowledge. In our opinion, this exercise demonstrates the similarities between pyogenic infectious spondylitis in children and adults and provides support for the management of this illness at all ages with parenteral antibiotics, cast or brace immobilization when needed for symptomatic relief, and, rarely, operative débridement.