[physiobob]

Baastrup's sign

Also known as:
Baastrup's disease (misnomer)
Baastrup's syndrome
Michotte's syndrome
The correct term is Baastrup's sign.

Associated persons:
Christian Ingerslev Baastrup
L. J. Michotte

Description:
Mutual compression of the spinous processes (radiological formation of bridges) of closely approximated adjacent lumbar vertebrae observed in some types of degenerative diseases. Etiology unknown.

Slightly more specifically a bony proliferation between the dorsal spinous processes in the lumbar spine of humans. A similar condition has been noted radiographically in dogs, particularly large breeds and especially in Boxers. The clinical significance is unknown.

Pain in the neck and shoulders produced by contact of two or more spinous processes on extension of the neck has been described in two patients by Nava of Brazil. Inasmuch as Michotte earlier reported a similar condition in the lumbar region, Nava proposed that this name be used as an eponymic designation.