Streamlining the evaluation of low back pain in children

Clinical presentation and imaging findings in juvenile-onset back pain: a ten-year hospital-based retrospective analysis in Douala (Cameroon)

Introduction

Studies exploring the clinical and imaging characteristics of juvenile-onset back pain (JOBP) are scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and factors associated with JOBP.

Methods

A retrospective record-based study was conducted among all pediatric cases presenting to the Rheumatology unit of the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon, from January 2014 to December 2023. The study did not include children whose back pain began after 16 years of age.

Results

Of the 216 records of patients under 18 examined, 67 children (31 girls) were diagnosed with JOBP. The median age was 15 [13-16] years. More than two-third of the children included in this study had chronic pain (n = 46; 68.65%). Pain was mild to moderate in intensity in 48 children (71.6%). Radiculopathy was present in 10 children (14.92%). The most common location of back pain was the lumbar region (n = 64; 95.52%). Some children experienced pain in more than one location. The location of the pain was not associated with gender, duration of the pain, radiculopathy, or practice of a competitive sport (p > 0.05). Musculoskeletal abnormalities on imaging were found in 38 children (62.29%). In multivariate analysis, peripheral joint involvement [aOR = 0.253 (0.073-0.878); p = 0.030] and mild pain intensity [aOR = 0.077 (0.014-0.422); p = 0.003], were independently associated with the presence of musculoskeletal abnormalities on imaging.

Conclusion

JOBP affects a third of children and adolescents of our clinic population. The common musculoskeletal abnormalities found on spine imaging are disc diseases and scoliosis.

Predictors of Spondylolysis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adolescent Athletes With Low Back Pain

Background:

Spondylolysis and undiagnosed mechanical low back pain (UMLBP) are the main causes of low back pain (LBP) in adolescent athletes. No studies have evaluated the difference in clinical and radiographic factors between these 2 conditions. Furthermore, it remains unclear which adolescent athletes with LBP should undergo advanced imaging examination for spondylolysis.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical and radiographic factors of adolescent athletes with spondylolysis and UMLBP who did not have neurological symptoms or findings before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation and to determine the predictors of spondylolysis findings on MRI.

Study Design:

Cohort study, Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study population included 122 adolescent athletes aged 11 to 18 years who had LBP without neurological symptoms or findings and who underwent MRI. Of these participants, 75 were ultimately diagnosed with spondylolysis, and 47 were diagnosed with UMLBP. Clinical factors and the following radiographic parameters were compared between the 2 groups: spina bifida occulta, lumbar lordosis (LL) angle, and the ratio of the interfacet distance of L1 to that of L5 (L1:L5 ratio, %). A logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of spondylolysis on MRI scans.

Results:

Significantly more athletes with spondylolysis were male (82.7% vs 48.9%; P < .001), had a greater LL angle (22.8° ± 8.1° vs 19.3° ± 8.5°; P = .02), and had a higher L1:L5 ratio (67.4% ± 6.3% vs 63.4% ± 6.6%; P = .001) versus athletes with UMLBP. A multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 4.66; P < .001) and an L1:L5 ratio of >65% (OR, 3.48; P = .003) were independent predictors of positive findings of spondylolysis on MRI scans.

Conclusion:

The study findings indicated that sex and the L1:L5 ratio are important indicators for whether to perform MRI as an advanced imaging examination for adolescent athletes with LBP who have no neurological symptoms and findings.

Are Constant Pain, Night Pain, or Abnormal Neurological Examination Adequate Predictors of the Presence of a Significant Pathology Associated With Pediatric Back Pain?

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have suggested that most cases of pediatric back pain do not have an identifiable cause. No reliable sign or indication differentiates between a benign or serious cause of the symptom. Constant pain, night pain, and abnormal neurological examination have been suggested as adequate predictors of an identifiable cause, when plain radiographs could not explain the symptoms. The purpose of this study is to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of constant pain, night pain, and abnormal neurological examination to predict the presence of an underlying positive finding as a cause of back pain.

METHOD

From 2010 to 2016, all patients who presented with a chief complaint of back pain were included in the study. Magnetic Resonance Image was performed to all patients presenting with back pain without identifiable cause lasting >4 weeks. Patients who presented with spondylolysis were treated accordingly base on radiographic findings and were excluded as study protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 388 patients were evaluated during the study period. The mean age of the subjects was 14.5 years; 69.7% being female. An underlying pathologic condition was identified in 56 of 132 (42%) of patients with constant pain, 61 of 162 (38%) with night pain, and 8 of 9 (89%) with abnormal neurological examination. Probability to have an underlying pathology correlated directly with the amount of clinical markers.

DISCUSSION

An abnormal neurological examination was found as a strong predictor for an underlying pathologic condition. Further imaging of a pediatric patient with back pain without clear explanation for their symptoms on plain radiographs should not be limited to constant pain, or night pain because clinicians could be missing important diagnosis. Therefore, the clinician cannot be assured by absence of these clinical markers, that there is no underlying spinal pathology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

The Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Plain Radiographs Among Adolescents With Back Pain and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background

Low back pain (LBP) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are common pediatric diagnoses. The workup for these diagnoses can be highly variable and can use significant health care resources. There has been no analysis to date on the use of imaging for workup of AIS and/or LBP.

Methods

The Humana Private Payer Database was queried for clinical and financial information for patients with AIS and/or LBP using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) for LBP and AIS. Current procedural terminology codes related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographs for the thoracolumbar spine were used to identify patients with LBP and/or AIS that used these diagnostic imaging modalities. Only patients ages 10 to 19 years were included in this analysis.

Results

The total number of patients with AIS and LBP was 18 696 and 56 560, respectively. Thoracolumbar imaging was used within the workup for 71.76% and 45.53% of patients with AIS alone and LBP alone, respectively. MRI was used for 2.92% and 9.53% of patients with AIS alone and LBP alone, respectively. Radiographic imaging was used for 71.06% and 42.63% for AIS alone and LBP alone, respectively. There was minimal variation among regions in use of MRI for AIS. For patients with LBP, the diagnosis with the highest use of MRI was "sciatica" (29.07%). Patients with both LBP and AIS had statistically higher rates of imaging (91.04%), MRI (18.99%), and radiographs (89.71%). Among patients with an MRI, 20.87% never had a radiograph. Reimbursement per patient for radiographs was $164 and $239 for AIS and LBP, respectively. Reimbursement per patient for MRI was $1,263 and $1,882 for AIS and LBP, respectively.

Conclusions

There is substantial use of both MRI and radiographs for adolescents with LBP and/or AIS. Clinicians should be aware of the impact these diagnostic tests have on the patient and the overall health care system.

Back Pain in a Pediatric Emergency Department: Etiology and Evaluation

OBJECTIVES

Back pain is an uncommon chief complaint in the pediatric emergency department (ED). However, there are serious underlying conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. While the etiology is usually benign, variation exists in the evaluation. The study purpose was to describe pediatric patients who presented to the ED with back pain and evaluate for associations with laboratory and radiologic abnormalities indicative of underlying musculoskeletal pathology.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients aged birth to 18 years who presented to a pediatric ED with a chief complaint of back pain during a 1-year period. Primary outcome was discharge diagnosis, categorized as nonpathologic back pain, pathologic back pain, and other etiologies. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

Two-hundred thirty-two patient encounters were reviewed, with 177 included in data analysis. A nonpathologic diagnosis of back pain was found in 76.8% of visits. Back pain and back or muscle strain were the most common diagnoses. Pathologic back pain diagnoses represented 2.3% of visits. Radiologic imaging was performed in 37.9%. Positive findings were noted in 16.9% of radiographs; no abnormalities were noted on computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Laboratory studies were conducted in 35%. Abnormal plain radiographs were associated with a pathologic diagnosis of back pain (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most pediatric patients presenting to the ED with back pain were found to have a nonpathologic etiology and were discharged. Among those with a pathologic back pain diagnosis, abnormal radiograph findings were the only statistically significant factor, whereas laboratory studies, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans were less indicative.

Back Pain in Children- How Sinister?

Incidence of back pain among children and adolescents is gradually increasing. Children undergo extensive diagnostic workup that ultimately results in a nonconfirmative diagnosis. A good history and clinical examination can, to a large extent help differentiate non-specific from organic causes of backache. Diagnostic workup may be initiated if symptoms are severe and/or persistant. The authors review some of the common causes of back pain in pediatric population, clinical presentations, and the relevant investigations along with their management.

Back pain: A puzzle in children

Back pain in children is underdiagnosed and increases incidence in adolescence. A systematic approach can diagnose the most common causes: trauma, structural deformities, inflammatory diseases, infection and malignancy.

Acquired pathology of the pediatric spine and spinal cord

Pediatric spine pathology poses a diagnostic challenge for radiologists. Acquired spine pathology often yields nonspecific signs and symptoms in children, especially in the younger age groups, and diagnostic delay can carry significant morbidity. This review is focused on some of the more common diagnostic dilemmas we face when attempting to evaluate and diagnose acquired pediatric spine anomalies in daily practice. An understanding of some of the key differentiating features of these disease processes in conjunction with pertinent history, physical exam, and advanced imaging techniques can indicate the correct diagnosis.

The epidemiological profile of a middle-aged population with low back pain in southern Brazil

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and the general characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in a middle-aged population living in southern Brazil.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

LBP is a widespread musculoskeletal condition. It is the main cause of disability in developed countries. It is necessary and relevant to study the risk factors for LBP to plan preventative action. A cross-sectional study of a middle-aged population in the South of Brazil was designed to look at the prevalence and general characteristics of LBP.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was developed in a city located in southern Brazil. Data were collected from 1005 individuals at randomized public locations. A protocol was designed to evaluate the general characteristics of the population: age, sex, level of education, socioeconomic status, body mass index, occupation, smoking, physical activity, anxiety, and depression. After the initial evaluation, the individuals were asked if they had had low back pain at least once in their lifetime. Those who answered "Yes" continued the questionnaire that evaluated pain intensity, characteristics, and related disability. After the entire group was analyzed (N = 1005), a separate study was performed on the participants younger than 40 years (N = 701).

RESULTS

The mean age was 33.74 years (±14.76) and 61.6% of the participants were females. Seventy-two percent of the participants had had LBP at least once in their lives. The mean of visual analogue scale intensity of pain was 4.51 (±2.27). The prevalence of female sex (P = 0.006) and anxiety (P < 0.001) was higher in those with LBP. In the group younger than 40 years, the prevalence of LBP was 69.7% and anxiety (P < 0.001) was the only factor related to LBP.

CONCLUSION

Low back pain is a highly prevalent condition in a middle-aged population living in southern Brazil. Higher levels of anxiety and female sex were related to this condition in all groups, but when it was analyzed in the participants younger than 40 years, anxiety was the only significant variable related with LBP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Evaluation of a systematic approach to pediatric back pain: the utility of magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested that back pain in the majority of pediatric patients does not have an identifiable cause. Many children undergo extensive diagnostic workup that ultimately results in a nonconfirmative diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe the prevalence of back pain seen in a pediatric orthopaedic clinic; (2) evaluate the efficacy of a systematic approach dependent on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of pediatric back pain; and (3) analyze sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of various clinical signs and symptoms.

METHODS

For a 24-month period, all patients that presented with a chief complaint of back pain were prospectively enrolled in this study and evaluated in a systematic approach which utilized MRI for patients with constant pain, night pain, radicular pain, or abnormal neurological examination after an initial history, physical examination, and negative radiographic examination.

RESULTS

The prevalence of chief complaint of back pain was 8.6% (261/3042 patients). Of the 261 patients, 34% had an identifiable pathology following the systematic approach. In 8.8% of patients, the diagnosis was established with the history, physical examination, and plain radiographs. MRI yielded a definitive diagnosis in another 25% of patients. It is noteworthy that of the 89 patients with a confirmed pathology, 26% were identified with plain radiographs and 74% with MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic approach to diagnose pediatric back pain demonstrated that 34% of pediatric patients that present to an outpatient orthopaedic clinic complaining of back pain will have identifiable pathology. The diagnostic yield increased from 8.8% with the history, physical examination, and plain radiographs to 22% with the TCN Bone Scan to 36% with the use of the MRI. The clinician should be aware that the presences of lumbar pain or constant pain are red flags for the presence of underlying pathology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Physical therapists' clinical knowledge of multidisciplinary low back pain treatment guidelines

BACKGROUND

Numerous clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been developed to assist clinicians in care options for low back pain (LBP). Knowledge of CPGs has been marginal across health-related professions.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were: (1) to measure US-based physical therapists' knowledge of care recommendations associated with multidisciplinary LBP CPGs and (2) to determine which characteristics were associated with more correct responses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey was conducted.

METHODS

Consenting participants attending manual therapy education seminars read a clinical vignette describing a patient with LBP and were asked clinical decision-making questions regarding care, education, and potential referral. Descriptive statistics illustrating response accuracy and binary logistic regression determined adjusted associations between predictor variables and appropriate decisions.

RESULTS

A total of 1,144 of 3,932 surveys were eligible for analysis. Correct responses were 55.9% for imaging, 54.7% for appropriate medication, 62.0% for advice to stay active, 92.7% for appropriate referral with failed care, and 16.6% for correctly answering all 4 questions. After adjustment, practicing in an outpatient facility was significantly associated with a correct decision on imaging. Female participants were more likely than male participants to correctly select proper medications, refer the patient to another health care professional when appropriate, and answer all 4 questions correctly. Participants reporting caseloads of greater than 50% of patients with LBP were more likely to select proper medications, give advice to stay active, and answer all 4 questions correctly. Participants attending more continuing education were more likely to give advice to stay active and older, and more experienced participants were more likely to appropriately refer after failed care.

LIMITATIONS

There was potential selection bias, which limits generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey identified varied understanding of CPGs when making decisions that were similar in recommendation to the CPGs. No single predictor for correct responses for LBP CPGs was found.

Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain in the pediatric population

Back pain in the pediatric population is a common complaint presenting to sports medicine clinics. There is a wide differential that should be considered, including mechanical, infectious, neoplastic, inflammatory, and amplified musculoskeletal pain. The history, pain quality, and examination are key components to help distinguish the etiologies of the pain and direct further evaluation. Laboratory investigations, including blood counts and inflammatory markers, can provide insight into the diagnosis. The HLA-B27 antigen can be helpful if a spondyloarthropathy is suspected. Imaging as clinically indicated typically begins with radiographs, and the use of MRI, CT, or bone scan can provide additional information. Proper diagnosis of back pain is important because prognosis and treatments are significantly different. We review the pertinent evaluation, differential diagnoses, and treatment of low back pain in the pediatric population.

Lumbar injuries of the pediatric population

Primary musculoskeletal etiologies, such as stress fractures, strains, facet arthropathy, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, are more common causes of pediatric pain than systemic diseases, both in the office setting and the emergency room. Systemic features, young age, and atypical pain should clue physicians to causes other than a primary musculoskeletal cause and prompt an intensive search for other conditions.

Imaging modalities for low back pain in children: a review of spondyloysis and undiagnosed mechanical back pain

PURPOSE

Mechanical low back pain is common in the pediatric population; recent studies have shown that undiagnosed mechanical low back pain (UMLBP) is the most common cause of low back pain presenting in adolescents, accounting for up to 78% of cases. Spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis is the most common cause with diagnosed pathology observed in this age group. The goals of this study are to: determine the natural history of low back pain, evaluate the value of radiographic studies in establishing a diagnosis of spondylolysis, and determine the cost and radiation effective doses (EDs) associated with those studies with the associated risks radiation exposure.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients records aged 10 to 19 years who presented to our institution with mechanical low back of undiagnosed etiology from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2008 were identified. Patients with previous back surgery, high-energy trauma, congenital syndromes, or medical comorbidities were excluded. UMLBP was defined as back pain with etiology undetected by examination and imaging. We reviewed the following data: age at presentation, sex, the number of follow-up visits, the total length of follow-up, the type of imaging studies performed, and the results from imaging studies. Age-specific radiation EDs were calculated for 10 to 14.9 years, 15 to 18 years, and adults for plain films, fine cut 2-level L-spine computed tomography (CT) scans, and bone scans (BSs).

RESULTS

A total of 2846 patients (63% female) with average age of 14.3 years were identified. A total of 2159 (76%) patients had UMLBP, 61% of that had ≤2 follow-up visits. One hundred and ninety-four patients (7.8%) were diagnosed with spondylolysis; 119 (86%) by plain film, 56 (12.5%) by BSs, and 17 (1.5%) by CTs. Most patients (74%) with spondylolysis had a positive plain film study. There was no significant difference between 2-view (anterior-posterior, lateral) and 4-view (anterior-posterior, lateral, right oblique, left oblique) studies in sensitivity (78% vs. 72%, P=0.39). Advanced imaging was pursued in 90/354 (25%) patients with negative plain film studies. The sensitivity of BS for spondylolysis was 84% (73 of 88 BSs were positive). The sensitivity of CT for spondylolysis was 90% (44 of 49 CTs were positive. BSs exposed patients to much more radiation than CTs and plain film studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical low back pain is common in adolescents and in most cases is undiagnosed; most require no imaging and ≤2 office visits. For spondylolysis, 2-view plain films are often diagnostic and oblique views did not add significant value. Advanced imaging increases diagnostic accuracy, but adds to the cost and considerable radiation exposure. Because diagnosis of spondylolysis rarely changes clinical management, physicians should use ionizing radiation studies sparingly in children.

Detection of pars injury by SPECT in patients younger than age 10 with low back pain

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of extension-based low back pain in young athletes with suspected pars injury may include a referral for skeletal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). However, the diagnostic yield of this technique in children with low back pain before the age of 10 years remains uncertain. We examined a series of consecutive SPECT scans to address this question.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of department databases revealed 107 consecutive skeletal Tc-99m MDP SPECT scans performed between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009 in children less than 10 years of age. Of these, 72 studies were performed for a referral diagnosis of back pain. There were 43 girls (44 studies) and 28 boys (28 studies). The mean age was 7.2 years (range, 1.9 to 9.9 y). All SPECT scans were reviewed and positive findings documented. In addition, all available anatomic imaging, imaging reports (computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and x-ray) and clinical notes were reviewed, and results were compared with those of SPECT studies.

RESULTS

Of the 72 SPECT studies, 35 (49%) identified a focal area in the spine of abnormal increased uptake, with 17 in the region of the pars interarticularis. With additional imaging, 1 case was demonstrated not to be a pars injury (computed tomography showed a transverse process fracture) and 2 patients with negative SPECT scans were shown to have pars injuries that SPECT scan had not detected, for a total of 18 pars injuries (25%) in this cohort. Reported participation in gymnastics or football was related to pars injury (odds ratio 4.3, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Pars injury was found in 25% of children referred for SPECT scan with back pain below 10 years of age. SPECT scan was highly sensitive for this injury as well as in identifying other potential sites of pathology, and should be considered in the workup of persistent low back pain in young children.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, diagnostic study.

Do oblique views add value in the diagnosis of spondylolysis in adolescents?

BACKGROUND

Anteroposterior, lateral, and right and left oblique lumbar spine radiographs are often a standard part of the evaluation of children who are clinically suspected of having spondylolysis. Recent concerns regarding radiation exposure and costs have brought the value of oblique radiographs into question. The purpose of the present study was to determine the diagnostic value of oblique views in the diagnosis of spondylolysis.

METHODS

Radiographs of fifty adolescents with L5 spondylolysis without spondylolisthesis and fifty controls were retrospectively reviewed. All controls were confirmed not to have spondylolysis on the basis of computed tomographic scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, or bone scanning. Anteroposterior, lateral, and right and left oblique radiographs of the lumbar spine were arranged into two sets of slides: one showing four views (anteroposterior, lateral, right oblique, and left oblique) and one showing two views (anteroposterior and lateral only). The slides were randomly presented to four pediatric spine surgeons for diagnosis, with four-view slides being presented first, followed by two-view slides. The slides for twenty random patients were later reanalyzed in order to calculate of intra-rater agreement. A power analysis demonstrated that this study was adequately powered. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement were assessed on the basis of the percentage of overall agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). PCXMC software was used to generate effective radiation doses. Study charges were determined from radiology billing data.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity between four-view and two-view radiographs in the diagnosis of spondylolysis. The sensitivity was 0.59 for two-view studies and 0.53 for four-view studies (p = 0.33). The specificity was 0.96 for two-view studies and 0.94 for four-view studies (p = 0.60). Inter-rater agreement, intra-rater agreement, and agreement with gold-standard ICC values were in the moderate range and also demonstrated no significant differences. Percent overall agreement was 78% for four-view studies and 82% for two-view studies. The radiation effective dose was 1.26 mSv for four-view studies and 0.72 mSv for two-view studies (difference, 0.54 mSv). The charge for four-view studies was $145 more than that for two-view studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in sensitivity and specificity between four-view and two-view studies. Although oblique views have long been considered standard practice by some, our data could not identify a diagnostic benefit that might outweigh the additional cost and radiation exposure.

Back pain in children: a holistic approach to diagnosis and management

Back pain is a relatively common complaint presenting to the primary care practitioner and is addressed with increasing frequency in the pediatric literature. Back pain is not uncommon in adolescents and often is symptomatic of a relatively benign musculoskeletal etiology. Back pain in children less than 10 years of age and most especially less than 4 years of age can signal a more alarming underlying condition. Evaluation requires a complete history including psychosocial and cultural considerations. Additionally a thorough clinical examination, strategic lab work and judicious imaging are imperative. Management and appropriate referral is specific to the underlying disease process. A holistic, individualized plan of care with inherent involvement of the child and parent/caregiver is essential to ensure safety and enhance outcomes.

Low back pain in children and adolescents: an algorithmic clinical approach

Low back pain (LBP) is common among children and adolescents. In younger children particularly those under 3, LBP should be considered as an alarming sign for more serious underlying pathologies. However, similar to adults, non specific low back pain is the most common type of LBP among children and adolescents. In this article, a clinical algorithmic approach to LBP in children and adolescents is presented.

Low back pain in adolescents: is quality of life poorer in those seeking medical attention?

STUDY DESIGN

Paired case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and disability in adolescents with low back pain (LBP) referred to a hospital and compare it with adolescents with and without LBP from the general population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Recent studies show that the effect of LBP on HRQOL of adolescents from the general population is insignificant. Poorer HRQOL is attributed to those soliciting specialized medical attention. No study has evaluated HRQOL in adolescents with LBP who seek specialized attention.

METHODS

All consecutive adolescents with nonspecific LBP referred to a hospital outpatient clinic (cases-patients) between January 2006 and October 2007 were compared to two control groups: adolescents with LBP and adolescents without LBP from a representative sample of students. Two controls from each group were randomly paired with each case by city of residence, sex, and age. Cases and controls completed the same self-administered questionnaires, including a generic quality-of-life (KIDSCREEN-52) and two LBP-specific (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire) instruments. A group of teenagers with juvenile idiopathic arthritis completing the same questionnaire was used as external reference. The sample was calculated to detect a difference of more than 4.68 units in KIDSCREEN scores. Comparisons were made using t tests and effect size estimation.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 76) had more frequent (P = 0.005) and intense (P < 0.001) LBP than adolescents with LBP in the general population (n = 152) and a poorer score on the Roland-Morris (5.5 vs. 4.3, P = .023) and Hanover (4.5 vs. 3.5, P = 0.032) questionnaires. Nonetheless, in all KIDSCREEN dimensions, patient scores and scores of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were similar or better than those of the general adolescent population with or without LBP (n = 152).

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with LBP seeking specialized medical attention have better HRQOL than symptomatic peers from the general population but report worse clinical and functional status.

[Imaging of non-traumatic spinal diseases in children]

Pain is also the main symptom of spinal diseases in children. The younger the child, the more frequently organic causes are to be found, whereas in adolescents functional dorsalgia and lumbalgia are ubiquitous. Apart from the neonatal period, where ultrasound is used as the primary method for investigation of closed spinal dysraphia, radiography is still considered to be the first choice examination, which nevertheless should only be carried out after a thorough anamnesis and clinical examination. For targeted follow-up and especially exclusion of neoplasms, MRI is the method of choice in most cases. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role preoperatively and postoperatively in corrective spine surgery and together with scintigraphy in the diagnostics of spondylolysis and some tumors such as osteoid osteoma. Important is the care of children with hereditary spinal malformations, especially dysraphias where the entire CNS may be affected as with the common association of myelomeningocele and Chiari II malformation with hydrocephalus and hydromyalia.

Imaging of back pain in children

While back pain presents less frequently in children than in adults, it still poses a significant clinical challenge with respect to making a firm diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan. When children have back pain and medical attention is sought, an underlying pathology is usually suspected. Pediatric patients are evaluated, first, with a complete clinical history and examination and, second, by an imaging work-up that is based on initial findings, including the child's age and size, signs and symptoms, and suspected etiology. This article describes 1) the epidemiology of back pain in children, 2) the imaging work-up used, and 3) the correlation of imaging findings with disease entities that may cause back pain in the pediatric patient. The list of diseases giving rise to back pain is not meant to be exhaustive but rather reflective of the most commonly identified pathologies and disorders among young children and adolescents, from athletic injuries to lethal cancers.