Can children develop bone spurs?

Many people think that bone spurs only occur in the elderly. After all, they are caused by bone degeneration. But in fact, some children also develop bone spurs. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the specific cause so that the problem can be solved more quickly. Otherwise, it will be very bad for the child’s future bone development, thus affecting the normal growth and development of the bones.

As we age, the cartilage in the joints gradually degenerates, the elasticity of cells decreases, and the bone joints are worn out unnoticed, especially in the neck, waist, knees, and heels where there is a lot of activity. Damaged articular cartilage is difficult to repair without blood vessels to supply nutrients. At this time, the blood circulation around the articular cartilage is relatively vigorous, and compensatory cartilage growth will occur, which is the precursor to bone hyperplasia. Over time, the proliferating cartilage becomes calcified, which is called bone hyperplasia. It is a natural aging phenomenon. Generally, the growth of bone spurs means that the person's spine has entered the aging stage.

Bone spurs can be diagnosed using radiographic examinations and electrical diagnosis. Let's take a closer look:

1. X-ray examination

Including front, side, oblique, forward flexion and backward bending, to understand the condition of the spine.

2. Magnetic resonance imaging

This is a non-invasive examination with no risk of radiation exposure, which can clearly resolve cartilage and nerves.

3. Spinal tap photography

A water-soluble contrast agent is injected into the spinal canal to determine if any nerves are compressed or where the compression is located.

4.Computed Tomography

It is best to combine it with a spinal cord radiograph to clearly show the compression of the spinal cord or nerves. In addition, better machine resolution is required to distinguish whether the nerve compression is caused by hard bone spurs or cartilage.

5. Electrical diagnosis

Including electromyography and nerve conduction velocity, which are used as tools to assist physical examination and medical history in diagnosis. The main function of this type of electrical diagnosis is to confirm the significance of abnormal phenomena found by physical examination. It can also help determine the anatomical location of symptoms and distinguish the pathological causes of overlapping symptoms.

During the acute or active chronic phase, appropriate bed rest is necessary, but it must be pointed out that if the condition permits, one should get out of bed and move around as soon as possible and persist in functional exercises. When patients with bone hyperplasia are in severe pain, medical treatment should be the main approach, with rehabilitation as a supplement. Since the drug has side effects, it is not suitable for long-term use.

During the chronic and stable stages, physical therapy and appropriate activities should be the main focus. For stubborn bone warts, immunotherapy or liquid nitrogen cryotherapy can be given. Due to the torture of illness over a long period of time, the functions of many systems in the body have changed. Therefore, in the process of rehabilitation medicine, the whole body must be treated so that the functions of all systems in the body can be mobilized, restored and enhanced.