Infective lumbar discitis in a sickler--an occult 'typhoid' spine?

Abstract

Pyogenic infection of the intervertebral disc (discitis) is a rare infection and the diagnosis often depends on a high index of suspicion. The cases of infective discitis described in the modern literature are similar to, if not identical with what was described as 'typhoid spine'. Salmonella infection of the musculoskeletal system on the other hand is more common in patients with sickle cell anaemia. This case report highlights the bizarre presentation of infective lumbar discitis in a sickler (HbSS) and calls attention to the need for a thorough evaluation of low back pain in these patients.