Surgical treatment for idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification in a child: case report and review of the literature

Purpose Intervertebral disc calcification (IDC) is rare in children. Conservative treatment has been recommended for the majority of cases. We describe surgical treatment of a case of IDC with progressive neurological impairment and review the literature relevant to this rare entity and its management. Methods A 16-year-old boy presented with sudden onset of severe neck pain, radiating into his left shoulder. Three months later, he developed neurological symptoms and signs with a progressive motor and sensory loss of his left upper limb. Results Anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion and instrumentation was performed. Neurologic deficits completely resolved within 1 week. After 1-year follow-up, radiological images showed solid fusion and no further compression. Conclusion Surgical decompression should be recommended for cases with acutely progressive and severe neurological impairments in IDC and a good result can be obtained. When surgery is needed, anterior decompression is usually used in cervical lesion, while in thoracic and lumbar area, posterior approach is suggested.