Evaluation and Treatment of the Child with Acute Back Pain

Back pain is common, in up to 30% of children, increasing with age. Eighty percent is benign, mechanical type, improving within 2  weeks of conservative care. Required for those not improving is in-depth evaluation, including MRI, laboratory, and peer consultations. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis comprise almost 10% of pediatric back pain, often caused by lumbar hyperextension activities and treated conservatively in mos t cases. Osteoid osteomas and osteoblastomas constitute the most common benign spinal tumors in childhood. Aggressive and malignant tumors of the spine are rare but when present require tertiary care referral and a comprehensive oncology team for optimal life-sustaining outcomes.
Source: Pediatric Clinics of North America - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Source Type: research