Baastrup's Disease in Pediatric Gymnasts

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Radiology

Background:

• Baastrup's disease, characterized by degenerative changes in adjacent spinous processes, is a rare cause of pediatric back pain.
• Repetitive spinal movements can strain the interspinous ligament, leading to adjacent spinous processes and associated pain or swelling.
• Diagnosis relies on specific radiologic findings and clinical examination, with pain exacerbated by extension.

Observation:

• This study highlights two pediatric cases of female gymnasts diagnosed with Baastrup's disease.
• Both patients presented with midline lumbar back pain aggravated by extension and relieved by flexion.
• One patient experienced swelling along the spinous processes, while the other reported pain.

Findings:

• This is the first report detailing interventional treatment modalities for pediatric Baastrup's disease.
• Both patients successfully managed their pain through distinct interventional techniques.
• Treatments included interspinous ligament injection and medial branch block, offering novel therapeutic options.

Implications:

• Interventional pain management techniques show promise for treating pediatric Baastrup's disease, particularly in athletes.
• These minimally invasive procedures may offer an alternative to conservative treatments for recalcitrant pain.
• Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and long-term outcomes of these interventions in pediatric populations.