Jornal de relatos de casos clínicos

Three Cases of Vertebral Block Found in Adults

Abstract

Oliva Henintsoa Rakotonirainy, Rajo Païdia Radinasoa*, Lauréat Brunda Manahadray, Havantsoa Nomena Fandresena Andrianarisambatra, Hanta Marie Danielle Vololontiana and Fahafahantsoa Rapelanoro Rabenja

Vertebral blocks are congenital malformations caused by defected segmentation of the vertebrae during embryonic life. They can cause static disorders. Neurological complications are the most serious. We report three cases of spinal blocks in young adults aged 37, 44 and 45. The patients each presented with chronic and recurrent mechanical spinal pain. X-rays and CT scans were used to identify these blocks. The first case presented a dorsal scoliosis with low back pain and an L3-L4 lumbar vertebral block. The second case consulted for back pain without static spinal deformity, with the discovery of a T11-T12 dorsal block. The last case reported mechanical cervicodorsalgia with radiculalgia, for which imaging revealed a C6-C7 cervical block. Management was based on analgesics and anti-inflammatories, combined with physiotherapy. Surgery is indicated when there are signs of neurological complications and spinal instability. The discovery of a vertebral block must be followed up to ensure proper management.