Discitis
Discitis
Discitis (pronounced dis-KY-tis) is a rare but serious infection of the intervertebral disc space. This condition can cause severe pain and other complications if not treated promptly and effectively.
Etymology
The term "discitis" is derived from the Latin word "discus", which means "disc", and the Greek suffix "-itis", which denotes inflammation. Thus, discitis literally means inflammation of the disc.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of discitis is severe, constant pain in the lower back, abdomen, or leg. Other symptoms may include fever, irritability, and difficulty walking or standing. In severe cases, discitis can lead to neurological problems due to pressure on the spinal cord.
Causes
Discitis is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. The most common organisms responsible for discitis are Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The infection can spread to the disc space through the bloodstream or from a nearby infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of discitis is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan. In some cases, a biopsy of the disc may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism.
Treatment
Treatment for discitis usually involves antibiotics to fight the infection, pain management, and physical therapy to improve mobility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected disc and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Discitis
- Wikipedia's article - Discitis
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