Baastrup's sign

Baastrup's sign is a medical condition named after Christian Ingerslev Baastrup. It is also known as "kissing spine disease" due to the characteristic appearance of the affected vertebrae on radiographs. The condition is characterized by close approximation or contact of adjacent spinous processes, often with resultant reactive changes such as sclerosis and hypertrophy.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Baastrup's sign is lower back pain. This pain is often exacerbated by extension of the spine and relieved by flexion. Other symptoms may include tenderness over the spinous processes and pain that radiates to the buttocks or thighs.

Causes

Baastrup's sign is typically caused by degenerative changes in the spine, particularly in the lumbar region. These changes can lead to the approximation or contact of adjacent spinous processes. Other potential causes include trauma, congenital abnormalities, and certain systemic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Baastrup's sign is primarily based on radiographic findings. These may include close approximation or contact of adjacent spinous processes, as well as reactive changes such as sclerosis and hypertrophy. Other diagnostic tools may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Treatment

Treatment for Baastrup's sign typically involves conservative measures such as physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle modifications. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

See also

• Spine
• Lower back pain
• Ankylosing spondylitis

References

Baastrup's sign Resources
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