Imaging of spinal infections in children

Infection to the osseous and articular structures of the vertebral column i s not as common in children as in adults. Common routes of contamination of the spine are by a hematogenous pathway, by spread from a contiguous conta minated source, and from direct implantation. MR imaging is more sensitive in the detection of vertebral osteomyelitis than either conventional radiog raphy or CT scan and nuclear scintigraphic studies. MR imaging has become t he method of choice for early diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis or disci tis in children.