Pediatric intervertebral disc calcification: A no touch lesion

Abstract

Intervertebral disc calcification (IVDC), though rare, remains an important differential of pediatric spinal pain. A 7-year-old boy presented with sudden-onset severe neck pain and restricted movements. There was no definite history of trauma or infection. Imaging of the cervical spine showed calcification of the intervertebral disc at C2-3 level, with significant posterior protrusion into the spinal canal causing compression of the cervical spinal cord. The child was kept on conservative management. The calcification and posterior protrusion showed near-complete resolution on 3-month follow-up. This case report emphasizes that childhood IVDC is a benign condition which commonly resolves spontaneously, without any surgical intervention and neurological sequelae.

Keywords

• Calcification
• cervical
• intervertebral disc
• spinal pain