title: Isolated pyogenic osteomyelitis of the odontoid process.
abstract: A case of isolated pyogenic osteomyelitis of the odontoid process is reported. Diagnosis was made using magnetic resonance imaging. Aggressive treatment, including transoral drainage of the abscess, antibiotics and cervical immobilization, resulted in a successful outcome. A review of the world's literature revealed only 15 previous reports of this rare entity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weaver
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014640:Vancomycin