Septic discitis presenting following intravenous cannulation

Description: Septic discitis presenting following intravenous cannulation
Q J Med 2002; 95: 189-191 (full text) M. Hatton, M. Gupta, P. Balint and M. Field
The review of 22 cases of septic discitis1 highlights similarities with other deep-seated infections within the musculoskeletal system such as septic arthritis (SA). Here we present a case of septic discitis that confirms these similarities, shows that ultrasound can be useful in identifying soft tissue damage and demonstrates that distant infection can be the site of haematogenous bacterial spread. It also shows that the C-reactive protein (CRP) is particularly useful in monitoring the acute phase response and success of treatment.