title: Back pain in children and adolescents.
abstract: Back pain is a common symptom in children and adolescents. Here we review the important causes, of which defects and stress reactions of the pars interarticularis are the most common identifiable problems. More serious pathology, including malignancy and infection, needs to be excluded when there is associated systemic illness. Clinical evaluation and management may be difficult and always requires a thorough history and physical examination. Diagnostic imaging is obtained when symptoms are persistent or severe. Imaging is used to reassure the patient, relatives and carers, and to guide management.
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Spinal Surgical Unit, Brockley Hill, Stanmore HA7 4LP, UK.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Altaf
authors.affiliation: British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: M K S
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Heran
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Spinal Surgical Unit, Brockley Hill, Stanmore HA7 4LP, UK.
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Paediatric; back pain; infection; intervertebral disc prolapse; neoplasm; spondylolysis