• Klaus-D Schaser, John F Stover, Max J Kaeaeb, N P Haas, and Thomas Mittlmeier.
• Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany. klaus-dieter.schaser@charite.de
• Spine. 2003 Mar 1; 28 (5): E93-4.

Study DesignA case study was conducted.ObjectiveA child with a previously unknown calcified cervical disc herniation experienced acute myelopathy after minor cervical trauma.Summary And Background DataCalcified 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.MethodsAfter 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.ResultsAfter 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.ConclusionIn the presence of a large, calcified cervical disc herniation, mild cervical trauma may result in the onset of severe spastic myelopathy warranting surgical correction.

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