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

Xavier Bajard1, Francis Renault, Taieb Benharrats

  • 1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Armand Trousseau Hospital, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, Paris Cedex 12, France.

Child'S Nervous System : Chns : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
|March 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Symptomatic intervertebral calcifications in children are rare but can cause spinal cord compression. Conservative treatment, including pain relievers and bracing, effectively resolved symptoms in two pediatric cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Neurosurgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Intervertebral calcifications are uncommon in children.
  • Spinal cord compression can result from these calcifications, leading to neurological deficits.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of symptomatic intervertebral calcifications causing spinal cord compression were reviewed.
  • Conservative management, including analgesics and bracing, was employed.

Findings:

  • Radiographs were sufficient for diagnosis and extent evaluation.
  • Both patients achieved complete symptom resolution within 4 weeks.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed complete vertebral canal clearance post-treatment.

Implications:

  • Conservative treatment may be a viable option for pediatric patients with moderate neurological compromise due to calcified disc protrusions.
  • Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to establish statistical significance.
Abstract

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