Cervical spine trauma in children: a review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Traumatology
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Cervical spine injuries in children are rare but distinct from adult injuries.
• Pediatric cervical spine biomechanics influence injury patterns and radiographic presentation.
• Children exhibit unique injury types and are more susceptible to spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the unique characteristics of pediatric cervical spine injuries.
• To differentiate pediatric cervical spine injuries from adult injuries.
• To discuss diagnostic and management considerations specific to children.

Main Methods:

• Review of pediatric cervical spine injury literature.
• Analysis of biomechanical differences between pediatric and adult cervical spines.
• Comparison of injury patterns and radiographic findings.

Main Results:

• Children younger than 9 typically sustain upper cervical injuries; older children have lower cervical injuries.
• Ligamentous injuries and spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality are more common in children.
• Benign radiographic findings can mimic traumatic injuries; external immobilization presents challenges.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric cervical spine injuries require specialized diagnostic and management approaches.
• Understanding unique pediatric biomechanics and injury patterns is essential.
• Advances in pediatric spinal instrumentation improve surgical options, but growth potential must be considered.