Discitis Mimicking Septic Arthritis in a 17-Month-Old Boy.

Discitis in children is uncommon, typically occurring between the ages of two and eight years. The etiology is not established, but it is generally considered a bacterial infection. Symptoms vary with age but commonly include irritability, refusal to walk, and back pain. These various clinical presentations cause delays in diagnosis. We present this case to draw attention and familiarise clinicians with its presentations. A 17-month-old boy presented with a one-week history of refusal to walk. Examination showed an unusual finding of the child keeping his right leg in a flexed position with hip tenderness. Inflammatory markers were raised. Initially, the patient was managed for suspected septic arthritis of the hip joint. Initial tests were inconclusive, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 23 revealed discitis at L4-L5. After a course of antibiotics and monitoring of inflammatory markers, his clinical condition improved. The mainstay of treatment is antibiotics, with surgery reserved for complicated cases. Discitis has a good prognosis in children.

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Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.