Pediatric Spinal Trauma

Pediatric spinal injuries, although rare, constitute an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms of injury, clinical and radiological presentation as well as treatment methods may differ from adults in the growing spine. Examination should be repeated in a child who has severe trauma even though no clinical and radiological abnormalities are detected at the first examination. Conservative approaches are generally preferred. Surgical treatment options should be considered for patients who have spinal cord compression associated with a neurologic deficit, and/or significant deformity associated with end-plate damage. Secondary deformities may develop during the follow-up period if end-plates are injured.Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2008; 54 Suppl 2: 55-8.