INTERVERTEBRAL DISC CALCIFICATION IN CHILDHOOD

Nine children with calcified intervertebral discs are described. Seven were boys and 2 were girls. The average age at diagnosis was 8.6 year s (range 5 to 14 years). Follow up was from 2 to 10 years. Only one ch ild gave a history of trauma. In all twelve discs were involved with m ore than one disc being affected in 2 children, there were 7 in the ce rvical spine, 4 in the thoracic and one in the lumbar spine. Every chi ld with cervical calcification had an acute onset with pain and limite d movement, and disappeared during the following months. The calcified discs in the thoracic and lumbar regions did not cause symptoms and d id not change. Calcification of cervical discs is self-limiting and ha s an excellent prognosis.