Скачать или смотреть Case study 193 | Discitis from Sepsis | Explained by Dr. Betsy Grunch

Case Study 193: Discitis

Discitis is a rare but serious infection of the intervertebral disc space. It often develops when bacteria (like Staph aureus or MRSA) spread through the bloodstream - sometimes from IV drug use, skin infections, or even dental procedures. Once bacteria lodge in the disc, inflammation sets in, destroying the disc and sometimes spreading to nearby bone (osteomyelitis) or even the spinal canal (epidural abscess).

🔎 Key facts to know:
• Symptoms: severe back pain, fever, difficulty moving, sometimes neurological deficits.
• Risk factors: IV drug use, recent infections, diabetes, immunosuppression, prior spine surgery.
• Diagnosis: MRI is the gold standard, plus blood cultures to identify the bacteria.
• Treatment: long-term IV antibiotics, sometimes surgery if there’s abscess, instability, or neurologic decline.

⚠️ Why it matters: Delayed recognition can lead to paralysis or sepsis. Awareness saves lives.

👉 Always take severe, unexplained back pain seriously - especially with fever or risk factors.

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