Tetanus with multiple wedge vertebral collapses: A case report in a 13 year old girl

Abstract

Data from the case records of a 13 year old Junior Secondary School Class two girl managed at the Department of Paediatrics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were extracted for presentation to highlight vertebral collapse as an uncommon complication of paediatric tetanus and the associated management challenges. The girl presented with complaints of back pains-11 days, inability to open her mouth- 9 days, jerking of the body- 8 days and upper back swelling-6 days following bruises from corporal punishment in her school. She was diagnosed to have tetanus with vertebral collapses of T3-T6. Tuberculosis and other causes of vertebral collapse were excluded. The tetanus was successfully treated but she left against medical advice and defaulted from follow-up for the management of the vertebral collapses. Poverty, ignorance and belief in traditional health care were major obstacles to her management.

Keywords

• multiple wedge vertebral collapses in tetanus