Abstract
BackgroundNeonatal infectious spondylodiscitis is a rare bony infection with atypical clinical presentation and non-specific systemic symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed resulting in vertebral destruction and severe complications. We retrospectively reviewed the case of an infant with infectious spondylodiscitis resulting in T12 body destruction and marked angular kyphosis.Case-reportA 4-week-old infant developed an infectious spondylodiscitis resulting in destruction of the T12 vertebral body and involvement of disc between T12 and L1. At 6 months of age, X-ray showed a marked thoracolumbar angular kyphosis above 50 Cobb degrees. Therefore, the patient underwent single time surgery with double anterior and posterior approach. At 9 years follow up, clinical and radiological findings show a stable correction with good aesthetic appearance.ConclusionNeonatal spondylodiscitis could lead to marked kyphosis similar to the congenital one. Since treatment with casts and tutors is often inefficacious, prompt surgery should be considered. The double anterior and posterior approach is the best option in this condition.
Highlights
Primary pyogenic spinal infections are uncommon entities in children
Neonatal spondylodiscitis could lead to marked kyphosis similar to the congenital one
We present an infant who developed hematogenous spondylodiscitis resulting in vertebral body destruction and marked angular kyphosis
Summary
Neonatal spondylodiscitis could lead to vertebral body destruction with resulting angular kyphosis. It is often similar to congenital forms in terms of the type of deformity, radiological aspect, and indications for treatment [10, 11]. Treatment with plaster or orthopedic brace is doomed to failure. Surgery must be performed at an early stage, as soon as worsening occurs to avoid the onset of more severe deformities, possible neurological damage, and higher surgical risks
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