A Case Series of Atypical Back Pain in Pediatric Athletes

Date

2022

Authors

Ali, Arsalan
Jacobs, Benjamin
Gandhi, Artee
Brooks, Meredith

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Abstract

Background: Baastrup's disease is a rare, often misdiagnosed, cause of back pain in children. It is characterized by degenerative changes of both spinous processes and interspinous soft tissues between two adjacent vertebrae. Repetitive spinal movements in the sagittal plane predispose to injury of the posterior elements of the spine. Chronic flexion and extension strain the interspinous ligament causing the neighboring spinous processes to adjoin. Pain is aggravated by extension and palpation and is alleviated with flexion. Some children with Baastrup's do not experience pain but present with swelling along the spinous processes. Moreover, increased interspinous spaces and bone remodeling may also be seen. Diagnosis is dependent on distinctive radiologic findings and characteristic exam features. This is the first report of children undergoing interventional modalities for the treatment of Baastrup's disease. Case Information: The first case study is a 16-year-old active gymnast who initially presented to the clinic in 2014 with complaints of a sore back that worsened with extension and arching. On physical exam, there were trigger points along her thoracic spinous processes. Diagnostic imaging revealed early suspicion for spinous process abnormality at the thoracolumbar junction region vertebra, particularly T12. A conservative treatment approach was initially taken however her symptoms did not resolve. The patient ultimately underwent bilateral T11, T12, L1 medial branch blocks. The second case is an 18-year-old female cheerleader and gymnast who initially presented to the clinic in 2016 complaining of one year duration of back pain that started after doing tumbling exercises in gymnastics. After multiple visits and imaging modalities, a working diagnosis of Baastrup's disease was suspected. The patient was treated with four trigger point injections in her interspinous ligament that were done at different times. Conclusion: While the current treatment for pain associated with Baastrup's is directed towards physical therapy, massage therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants and rest from activity, this is the first report of children undergoing interventional modalities for the treatment of back pain associated with Baastrup's disease. The epidemiology of the disease is very rare in the pediatric population, however, certain active groups such as gymnasts can be at an increased risk due to repeated spinal extension and flexion movements.

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