Discitis

Pediatric Discitis is a rare but serious inflammatory or infectious condition of the intervertebral disc space, typically seen in young children. It often presents as back pain, irritability, refusal to walk or sit, and can be mistaken for musculoskeletal or abdominal conditions. If left untreated, discitis may progress to vertebral osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, or spinal deformity, requiring urgent neurosurgical attention. In Bangladesh, pediatric discitis is frequently underdiagnosed due to low awareness, limited access to spinal imaging, and delayed referrals. Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman, a leading pediatric neurosurgeon, offers comprehensive care—from diagnosis to surgical management—for children suffering from spinal infections. 🌍 Pediatric Discitis in Bangladesh: A Hidden Spinal Threat Discitis is often overlooked in rural and semi-urban healthcare setups in Bangladesh. Children may visit general physicians multiple times before being referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon. Common contributing factors include: Lack of MRI facilities in rural areas Misinterpretation of symptoms as hip pathology or abdominal pain Inadequate or delayed antibiotic therapy Coexisting conditions such as tuberculosis, malnutrition, or immune deficiencies Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman emphasizes that timely recognition and neurosurgical evaluation can prevent permanent spinal damage and disability. ⚠️ Symptoms of Pediatric Discitis Children may not express classic pain but show subtle or nonspecific symptoms: 🧍 Refusal to walk, sit, or stand upright 😠 Irritability, especially in toddlers 🌡️ Low-grade or persistent fever 🛏️ Back pain, especially in lumbar or thoracic spine 💢 Abdominal or hip pain (referred from spine) 🧒 Gait disturbance, postural changes, or limp 🛌 Fatigue, poor appetite, or developmental regression “Any child with persistent back pain or difficulty standing needs immediate spinal evaluation.” — Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman 🧬 Causes and Risk Factors While pediatric discitis can occur spontaneously, several risk factors are known, particularly in the Bangladeshi context: 🦠 Bacterial infection – Staphylococcus aureus most common 🧫 Tubercular discitis – Increasing in Bangladesh due to TB burden 🧬 Viral or fungal infections – Rare, but possible in immunocompromised children 🩺 Post-surgical or post-traumatic infection 💉 Intravenous line infections (hematogenous spread) 🌾 Malnutrition, poor immunity, and crowded living conditions 🧪 Diagnostic Evaluation Accurate and early diagnosis is critical. Dr. Nafaur Rahman ensures a thorough and child-friendly diagnostic process: 🧲 MRI of Spine with contrast – Gold standard to detect inflammation, abscess, or vertebral collapse 📸 X-ray – May show disc space narrowing in late stages 🧪 Blood tests – Elevated ESR, CRP, and white blood cell count 🩸 Blood culture – May detect causative organism 🧬 Tuberculin test or GeneXpert – If TB is suspected 💉 CT-guided biopsy or aspiration – In unclear or recurrent cases 🛠️ Treatment of Pediatric Discitis 🧠 Conservative (Medical) Management: Hospitalization and complete bed rest IV antibiotics (broad-spectrum initially, adjusted per culture) Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) if TB discitis is diagnosed Analgesics and antipyretics Close neurological monitoring for worsening symptoms 🔧 Surgical Management (Indications): Surgery may be required in: Failure of medical therapy Spinal instability or deformity Neurological deficits (e.g. weakness or bladder issues) Large paravertebral or epidural abscess Dr. Nafaur Rahman performs: Microdiscectomy or debridement Abscess drainage and biopsy Spinal stabilization with instrumentation in severe deformity Minimally invasive spine surgery where applicable “Surgery is often life-changing when discitis causes paralysis, abscess formation, or spinal collapse.” — Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman 🔁 Post-Treatment Recovery and Rehabilitation 📅 Regular follow-up MRIs 🧒 Pediatric physiotherapy and spinal braces (if needed) 📚 Educational support for missed school 🧠 Psychological counseling for anxiety or trauma 🩺 Multidisciplinary support: pediatrics, infectious disease, orthotics 🚨 Complications of Delayed Treatment 🧠 Permanent spinal deformity (kyphosis or scoliosis) 🧑‍🦽 Neurological deficits – bladder dysfunction, limb weakness ⚡ Chronic back pain and mobility restriction 📉 Growth retardation due to spinal instability 💀 Rarely, systemic infection or death 👨‍⚕️ Why Choose Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman? 🧠 National expert in pediatric spine infections and neurosurgical care 🏥 Practices at Bangladesh’s premier neuroscience center (NINS) 🧒 Special focus on child-friendly diagnostics and rehabilitation 🩺 Performs precision spinal surgery for complex infections 🌟 Trusted by parents across Bangladesh for safe, ethical care 📞 Contact for Pediatric Discitis Evaluation & Treatment Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman Assistant Professor, Pediatric Neurosurgery, NINS Chief Consultant, Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre 📱 For Appointment/Serial: 📞 01912988182 | 📞 01607033535 🌐 Visit: www.neurosurgeonnafaur.com