A Preliminary Attempt of Nonintervention in the Treatment of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Calcification Combined with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

BACKGROUND

Calcification of intervertebral disc is a common impairment, which has been considered as the degenerative condition of the spine. In clinical practice, we note that the onset of intervertebral disc calcification (IDC) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can exist simultaneously in some cases, especially in younger children. However, only 8 cases have been reported in detail previously. In addition, controversy remains in terms of the best way to treat this condition.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 8-year-old female child was referred to our department in March 2018 complaining of severe back pain and neck pain with a sign of neurologic dysfunction. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the calcified intervertebral disc and OPLL at the C5-C6 level and spinal cord compression. We performed a noninterventional strategy for the patient. The patient's symptom recovered significantly in approximately 1 month. At 6 months of follow-up, the patient felt no discomfort, and computed tomography revealed the complete resorption of ossified lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging also showed no sign of compression on the spinal cord and nerve root at the involved segment.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric IDC accompanied with OPLL is much less frequent, but we must be aware of this disease. Since the distribution of this disease is age-specific and sex-specific, further research is necessary. Treatment for IDC combined with OPLL needs to follow the treatment principles as described in the text.