Definition of Diskitis:

Diskitis is an inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the intervertebral disk space (the space between the bones of the spine).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Diskitis is an uncommon condition, which is usually seen in children younger than age 10.

Diskitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or other inflammatory processes, such as auto-immune diseases (conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks certain cells in the body). The thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (low back) disks are most commonly affected.

Affected children may have a low-grade fever (less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit), back pain and stiffness, and abdominal pain. If they walk, it is with increased curvature of the back and they may have difficulty getting up and standing.

Young children are generally irritable and uncomfortable and may refuse to sit up, stand or walk. The refusal to walk is often misinterpreted by the parents as being related to a lower limb injury. Diskitis can also be confused with problems related to hip pain.