Neonatal infectious spondylitis of the cervical spine presenting with quadriplegia - A case report

Study Design. A case report. Objective. To highlight the evaluation and treatment of neonatal infectious spondylitis of the cervical spinel Summary of Background Data. Most authors advise intravenous antibiotics as first-choice treatment. The place of aspiration or operative drainage is de bated, as is the position and duration of immobilization. Methods. A 3-week-old neonate was presented with intermittent quadriplegia. Results. Additional investigation demonstrated an osteolytic process in the body of C3 with a large epidural abscess compressing the spinal cord. Beca use an infectious spondylitis of C3 was suspected, aspiration of the absces s was performed, and antibiotic therapy was started. The patient improved t o neurologically normal within 3 weeks and remains asymptomatic throughout a follow-up period of 7 years. Conclusions. Neonatal infectious spondylitis should be diagnosed early and treated promptly; otherwise, it may have devastating consequences.