What is Bastrup's disease?

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Last updated: April 21, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Baastrup's disease, also known as kissing spine syndrome, is a condition that requires a comprehensive treatment approach, starting with conservative management, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy, to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as improve posture and core strength, as seen in the study by 1. The provided evidence does not directly address Baastrup's disease, but rather focuses on calcinosis cutis, a condition characterized by calcium-phosphate deposition into cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, often associated with end-stage renal disease, as discussed in the studies by 2, 3, 4, and 5. However, in the context of Baastrup's disease, it is essential to prioritize conservative management, including:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily) or naproxen (500mg twice daily) to reduce inflammation and pain
  • Physical therapy focusing on core strengthening exercises and proper posture to improve long-term management
  • Corticosteroid injections between the affected spinous processes for more severe pain
  • Surgical intervention to remove part of the spinous processes (partial spinous process resection) in rare cases where conservative treatment fails, as mentioned in the study by 1. Weight management is also crucial, as excess weight can exacerbate symptoms by increasing pressure on the spine. Most patients experience significant improvement with conservative management and rarely require surgery, highlighting the importance of a thorough and multidisciplinary approach to managing Baastrup's disease, as suggested by the study by 1.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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