Published online Feb 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i2.45
Revised: November 13, 2013
Accepted: January 15, 2014
Published online: February 16, 2014
A 67-year-old male presented with a gradually progressive low back pain of 2 years duration. The patient was leading a retired life and there was no history of chronic fever or significant trauma. There was no radiation of pain or any features suggestive of claudication. There was no history of any comorbidity. The pain was aggravated with extension of the spine and relieved with flexion. There was no swelling or neurological deficit, but muscle spasm was present. Radiographs of the spine revealed degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine, along with articulation of spinous processes at in lumbar spine at all levels level suggestive of Baastrup’s disease, commonly known as “kissing spine”. Routine blood investigations were within normal limits. The patient was managed conservatively. He was given a week’s course of analgesics and muscle relaxants and then started on spinal flexion exercises, with significant improvement being noted at 6 months follow up.
Core tip: Baastrup’s disease, although not a rare entity, is often misdiagnosed and wrongly treated due to poor knowledge. Complete evaluation and a detailed examination of radiographic images are crucial for a proper diagnosis and to avoid mismanagement of the condition, including a hasty surgical intervention.