DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY OF BAC KACHE ACCOMPANIED BY RADICULOPATHY IN CHILDHOOD

Aim of the study: Investigation of the different causes and the therap y of backache accompanied by radiculopathy in childhood. Methods: Retr ospective analysis of clinical course, diagnostical tests and therapy in 25 children up to 16 years who were admitted because of backache ac companied by radiculopathy with no other specific symptoms. Results: 1 0 children suffered from inflammatory diseases, 9 tumors were found an d in 6 children, there was a non-inflammatory, non-neoplastic, namely orthopedic cause of the complaints. If correct treatment was begun in time, the outcome for the children was good. Conclusions: The vertebra l and radicular pain in childhood is a severe symptom. Posture disorde rs and hip stiffness have to be evaluated meticulously. (Plain xrays, MRI, eventually CT and lumbar puncture).