Baastrup's disease: The kissing spine

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Low back pain is a common ailment with diverse etiologies.
• Degenerative changes in the spine can lead to chronic pain conditions.
• Baastrup's disease, characterized by spinous process articulation, is a less common cause of back pain.

Observation:

• A 67-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of progressive low back pain.
• Pain exacerbated with spinal extension and relieved with flexion, accompanied by muscle spasm.
• Spinal radiographs revealed degenerative changes and spinous process articulation consistent with Baastrup's disease.

Findings:

• Baastrup's disease (kissing spine) was diagnosed based on clinical presentation and radiographic evidence.
• Routine blood work was within normal limits, ruling out systemic inflammatory or infectious causes.
• Conservative management, including analgesics, muscle relaxants, and spinal flexion exercises, was initiated.

Implications:

• Conservative treatment, particularly spinal flexion exercises, can significantly improve symptoms in patients with Baastrup's disease.
• Early diagnosis and management can prevent disease progression and improve quality of life.
• This case highlights the importance of considering Baastrup's disease in the differential diagnosis of chronic low back pain.