Spinal cord injuries in children

Spinal injuries in the pediatric population are relatively rare. Hence there is not enough knowledge, experience and exposure amongst pediatric neurosurgeons about spinal injuries in children. They have to rely on general spinal or pediatric orthopedic colleagues for a comprehensive management of spine and spinal cord trauma. In addition, the advances in spinal instrumentation techniques and vast array of implantable devices for spinal stabilization add to the complexity of the problem. It is imperative that a pediatric neurosurgeon should be aware of the mechanics of spinal injury and recent advances in the management strategy of pediatric spinal injuries.