Odontoid osteomyelitis with atlantoaxial subluxation in an infant

Abstract

N/A.

Upper Cervical Osteomyelitis with Odontoid Process Destruction Treated with a Halo Vest in a Child: A Case Report

“…However, most reports have only 2 included a limited number of cervical spine cases and data about lumbar spine onset 1) . The current treatment 3 method for pediatric pyogenic osteomyelitis of the cervical spine, which includes treatment selection for patients who require drainage and the fixation method with the use of a cervical collar or cast or with surgery, is controversial 2,3) . Herein, we present a child with pyogenic osteomyelitis of the upper cervical spine with destruction at the odontoid process of the axis.…”

“…The major cause of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis is the spread of a retropharyngeal abscess 4) , which can be treated with surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy 4) ; however, treatment with antibiotics alone has also been reported 5) . Nonsurgical treatment can be considered in some patients with a small-sized retropharyngeal abscess 2) . Our patient had a small abscess and showed an improved reaction during the early stage of treatment; therefore, she could be treated with antibiotic therapy alone.…”

“…Our patient had a small abscess and showed an improved reaction during the early stage of treatment; therefore, she could be treated with antibiotic therapy alone. As previously indicated, surgical treatment is required in patients with a large abscess owing to serious complications, including airway obstruction 2) , or in those with spinal cord compression with neurological dysfunction 4) .…”

“…Some reports have described fixation with the use of a cervical collar or cast 2) and others about fixation with 3 surgery 3) because most patients who were included were neonates or infants. The use of a halo vest may be considered in some patients with almost the same age as the patient in our case.…”