Calcified thoracic disc with herniation of the nucleus pulposus in a child

A twelve year old boy presented with acute cervical and interscapular pain, torticollis and low grade fever. The neurological examination was normal. Roentgenograms showed calcification of the T3-T4 disc and posterior herniation of the nucleus pulposus was demonstrated by computed tomography. A rapid and dramatic amelioration of the symptoms was produced by treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Intervertebral disc calcification in childhood is an uncommon and usually benign condition. Its clinical and radiological features are discussed in the light of the relevant literature.