Mild cervical spine trauma showing symptomatic calcified cervical disc herniation in a child: a case report

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A case study was conducted. OBJECTIVE: A child with a previously unknown calcified cervical disc herniation experienced acute myelopathy after minor cervical trauma. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Calcified cervical intervertebral disc herniations are rare in children. Although these herniations typically pursue a benign course and respond to conservative treatment, surgical removal of the disc may become necessary if spinal cord compression becomes symptomatic. METHODS: After a minor traumatic event, a 12-year-old boy with an underlying calcified cervical disc herniation at C3-C4 experienced progressive myelopathy requiring anterior discectomy and intervertebral fusion. RESULTS: After the progression of myelopathy over a 3-week period, an anterior discectomy and fusion with autologous tricortical iliac bone graft was performed at C3-C4. Histologic analysis showed a calcified disc herniation. CONCLUSION: In the presence of a large, calcified cervical disc herniation, mild cervical trauma may result in the onset of severe spastic myelopathy warranting surgical correction.