In a patient younger than 18 with back pain, which condition is specifically listed as a concern?

In a patient younger than 18 with back pain, which condition is specifically listed as a concern?

• A. Malignancy
• B. Osteoarthritis
• C. Spinal stenosis
• D. Developmental disorder

Answer: (D)

In kids and teens, the spine is still growing and can have congenital or developmental issues that cause back pain. Developmental disorders are a pediatric-specific concern because abnormalities in how the spine forms or develops (like scoliosis or vertebral anomalies) can present with pain or misalignment and require careful assessment. Other conditions listed are more typical of adults. Degenerative problems like osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis are uncommon in someone under 18, and while malignancy can occur, pediatric back-pain guidelines emphasize developmental abnormalities as the particular pediatric concern. So the best fit for a patient younger than 18 is a developmental disorder.

In kids and teens, the spine is still growing and can have congenital or developmental issues that cause back pain. Developmental disorders are a pediatric-specific concern because abnormalities in how the spine forms or develops (like scoliosis or vertebral anomalies) can present with pain or misalignment and require careful assessment.

Other conditions listed are more typical of adults. Degenerative problems like osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis are uncommon in someone under 18, and while malignancy can occur, pediatric back-pain guidelines emphasize developmental abnormalities as the particular pediatric concern. So the best fit for a patient younger than 18 is a developmental disorder.