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Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
Intervertebral disc calcification in a child
Athar M Ahemad1, Bibhas Dasgupta, Jairam Jagiasi
1Department of Orthopedics, Sion Hospital, Mumbai - 400 022, India.
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
|September 16, 2009
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of childhood disc calcification in a 5-year-old boy presenting with neck pain. The condition, affecting cervical discs C6-7, was diagnosed via imaging and treated successfully with conservative measures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Disc calcification in children is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 200 reported cases globally.
- This report presents a unique case from India, highlighting the condition's infrequent occurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of childhood disc calcification.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and management of this condition in a pediatric patient.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year-old boy presented with neck pain, torticollis, and limited cervical motion after a fall.
- Diagnostic workup included blood tests, fine needle aspiration cytology, cervical radiography, and MRI of the cervical spine.
- Cerebrospinal fluid examination was also performed.
Main Results:
- Radiography revealed calcification at the C6-7 disc level.
- MRI demonstrated hypointense signals in the C6-C7 and D5-D6 discs on T1 and T2 weighted images.
- Blood counts and ESR were elevated, with lymph node biopsy showing reactive lymphadenitis.
Conclusions:
- The patient's symptoms improved with conservative management, including analgesics, bed rest, and cervical traction.
- This case contributes to the limited literature on pediatric disc calcification, emphasizing the importance of considering this diagnosis in children with relevant symptoms.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and long-term outcomes of disc calcification in children.
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