Intervertebral disc calcification with neurological symptoms in children: report of conservative treatment in two cases

Childs Nerv Syst. 2010 Jul;26(7):973-8. doi: 10.1007/s00381-010-1117-y. Epub 2010 Mar 5.

Abstract

Purpose: Intervertebral calcifications are rare in the paediatric population. Two cases of children with symptomatic intervertebral calcifications responsible for spinal cord compression and neurological compromise are presented.

Methods: The data of two children treated conservatively for a symptomatic intervertebral calcification responsible for spinal cord compression and neurological compromise were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Frontal and lateral radiographs are usually sufficient to determine the presence and extent of the calcified cervical disc protrusion. Conservative treatment with antalgics and bracing was applied in both cases. The two patients were completely free of symptoms 4 weeks after initial treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging screening showed a complete vertebral canal clearance at final follow-up.

Conclusion: Despite the lack of significance due to the small number of patients, conservative treatment should be considered in children with moderate neurological symptoms due to calcified disc protrusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / pathology*
  • Calcinosis / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc / diagnostic imaging
  • Intervertebral Disc / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Orthotic Devices
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / pathology
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging
  • Spine / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal