CALCIFICATION OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISKS IN CHILDHOOD

Fifteen cases of intervertebral disc calcifications have been diagnosed in Umeå during a period of 14 years. In the literature up to now about 100 cases of intervertebral disc calcification have been reported. Our findings suggest that these calcifications are not as rare as has been stated. There are both symptomatic and silent cases. When present the clinical symptoms comprise local pain in the neck, limitation of spinal movements and sometimes fever and the condition may simulate meningitis. The radiological findings are pathognomonic. The disc calcifications are most frequently found in boys especially in the cervical region. The etiology is unknown. The symptoms appear when the calcification, for some unknown reason, resorbs or herniates. Neurological symptoms are rare. The treatment is symptomatic and the clinical course self-limiting with complete recovery within a few weeks. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.