Acute pyogenic infections of the spine in children.

Case 1-A girl aged eleven years was admitted in January 1946 with a history of five weeks’ lower thoracic pain and fever followed by the formation of an abscess in the temporo-mandibular region. There was rigidity of the spine with tenderness over the upper lumbar spinous processes. Radiographs showed decalcification of the ninth and tenth thoracic vertebrae with diminution of the intervertebral space. Radiographs taken two weeks later showed a paraspinal shadow suggestive of abscess formation. The diagnosis of spinal osteomyelitis was made and immobilisation on a frame was started. Penicillin was given. The girl made a full recovery.