Acute Calcification of Intervertebral Disc and Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in a 7-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Churk Hang; Lui, Tun Hing; Ngai, Wai Kit
• Is Part Of: Journal of orthopaedic surgery. Volume 24:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: calcinosis -- intervertebral disc -- ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; 617.3
• DOI: 10.1177/1602400331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-5536

Abstract

A 7-year-old girl presented with a 2-day history of acute neck pain without any preceding injury. The pain was around the left posterior paraspinal muscle and was aggravated by neck movement. There was no neurological abnormality; white cell count and inflammatory markers were slightly elevated. Radiology of the cervical spine showed calcification of C3/4 and C4/5 discs as well as the posterior longitudinal ligament over C3/4. She was treated conservatively with a neck collar and Panadol syrup. No non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was prescribed. Two months later, calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament had resolved and calcification at C3/4 and C4/5 discs and the C4 lower endplate had decreased. After one year, she was pain-free with no tenderness over her neck and had full range of neck motion and complete resolution of the calcification.