Discitis

Discitis, also spelled diskitis, is an infection of the intervertebral disc space that can affect people of many ages. Its symptoms include severe back pain that leads to a loss of mobility. In adults it can lead to serious consequences such as sepsis or an epidural abscess, but it can also resolve on its own, especially in children under eight years of age. After spinal surgery it occurs in roughly one to two percent of patients, and the cause is debated. Diagnosis is usually apparent on magnetic resonance imaging, although plain X-rays and computed tomography can be suggestive, and treatment is difficult and usually includes antibiotics. This entry follows the lead of the cited English Wikipedia article and is not medical advice.