Interspinous Oedema

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There are a variable number of bursae in the spinal column. They are normally located between the spinous processes of the cervical and lumbar segments. Bursitis of these structures can result in neck or back pain. In the neck, interspinous bursitis has been associated with several rheumatological conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis, and crystalopathies. In the lumbar spine the condition is also known as "kissing-spine" or Baastrup's disease and occurs in the context of degenerative change.

Kissing Spines

This condition arises due to excessive lumbar lordosis, or following extension injuries to the lumbar spine. The adjacent spinous processes compresses the intervening interspinous ligament. It is also known as Baastrup's disease. Bogduk theorises that the pain arises as a result of a periostitis of the spinous processes, or inflammation of the interspinous ligament. The periosteum of the spinous processes and the interspinous spaces are innervated by the medial branches of the lumbar dorsal rami. Surgical excision is usually not successful in reducing pain in the context of kissing spines.

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