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Is conservative treatment a good choice for pediatric intervertebral disc calcification in children?
Kai Chen1, Xin Chen2, Yuxi Su3
1Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Zhongshan 2road 136#, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Paediatric intervertebral disc calcification (PIDC) is a rare condition. Conservative treatment effectively resolves symptoms in children with PIDC, even with complications like herniation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Paediatric intervertebral disc calcification (PIDC) is a rare condition with an unknown cause.
- Understanding PIDC's characteristics and outcomes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics of pediatric intervertebral disc calcification (PIDC).
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes for children diagnosed with PIDC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 159 children diagnosed with PIDC between 2010 and 2020.
- Collection of demographic, clinical, and imaging data (radiography, CT, MRI).
- Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test or chi-squared test, with a minimum 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- 159 patients (103 male, 56 female; average age 6.08 years) were analyzed.
- Neck torticollis was present in 106 patients; 30 were asymptomatic.
- Conservative treatment resolved symptoms in all patients, including those with disc herniation or ligament calcification.
Conclusions:
- Paediatric intervertebral disc calcification (PIDC) demonstrates favorable outcomes with conservative management.
- Even complex cases involving herniation or ligament calcification respond well to non-surgical interventions.
- PIDC management can be effectively handled without surgical procedures.
Purpose:
Paediatric intervertebral disc calcification (PIDC) is a rare disease, and its aetiology remains unknown. This study aimed to analyse the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with PIDC.
Methods:
After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 159 children diagnosed with PIDC were analysed at our hospital between January 2010 and November 2020. Patients' demographic and clinical data were collected, such as sex, pain, duration time, physical examination, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months, and radiography or symptoms were evaluated. Fisher's exact test or χ2-test was used for statistical analyses.
Results:
One hundred and fifty-nine patients were ultimately followed up with for about 12.5 ± 5.8 months. There were 103 male and 56 female, with an average age of 6.08 ± 2.62 years (2 months to 12 years). A total of 109 patients had only one PIDC, 29 patients had two PIDCs, and 21 patients had multiple PIDCs. Thirty patients were found incidentally and were asymptomatic. A total of 106 patients had neck torticollis. Sixteen patients had IDC herniations, fifteen patients had posterior longitudinal ligament calcification, two patients had anterior longitudinal ligament calcification, and 17 patients had herniation of the vertebral canal. All patients underwent conservative treatment, and none underwent surgery. All patients' symptoms resolved after either collar fixation or neck traction.
Conclusion:
PIDC can be treated conservatively, even when accompanied by herniation, longitudinal ligament calcification, or clinical neck symptoms.
Level Of Evidence:
IV.
