- See:
Back Pain in Children
- Discussion:
- occult frxs typically occur after minor injuries, such as falls during sports-related activities;
- most occult fractures heal spontaneously in 8 months;
-
diff dx:
-
disc-space infection
-
osteoid-osteoma
-
spinal cord tumor
-
slipped vertebral apophysis
-
herniated disc
-
scheuermann disease
- rheumatoid spondylitis
- Radiographs:
- frx may not be visible on plain roentgenograms;
- if patient has persistent pain, a
technetium bone may be useful for localization of occult frx;
- Treatment:
- restriction of athletic activities:
- restrict activity until acute symptoms have resolved, followed by institution of a rehabilitation program;
- immobilization w/ orthosis:
- immoblization may be necessary to relieve pain if decreasing activity does not relieve pain;
