Intervertebral disc calcification with neurological symptoms in children: report of conservative treatment in two cases.
OBJECTIVE
Intervertebral calcifications are rare in the paediatric population. Two cases of children with symptomatic intervertebral calcifications responsible for spinal cord compression and neurological compromise are presented.


METHODS
The data of two children treated conservatively for a symptomatic intervertebral calcification responsible for spinal cord compression and neurological compromise were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
Frontal and lateral radiographs are usually sufficient to determine the presence and extent of the calcified cervical disc protrusion. Conservative treatment with antalgics and bracing was applied in both cases. The two patients were completely free of symptoms 4 weeks after initial treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging screening showed a complete vertebral canal clearance at final follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the lack of significance due to the small number of patients, conservative treatment should be considered in children with moderate neurological symptoms due to calcified disc protrusion.
Bajard
Xavier
X
Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Armand Trousseau Hospital, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, Paris Cedex 12, France.
Renault
Francis
F
Benharrats
Taieb
T
Mary
Pierre
P
Madi
Faouzi
F
Vialle
Raphaël
R
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal