Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
04:33

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

Birth-related spinal cord injuries: a multicentric review of nine cases

Raphaël Vialle1, Claire Piétin-Vialle, Matthieu Vinchon

  • 1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Armand Trousseau Hospital, 26, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, Paris Cedex 12, 75571, France. raphael.vialle@trs.aphp.fr

Child'S Nervous System : Chns : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
|July 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Birth-related spinal cord injuries in infants are rare but severe, often occurring during difficult deliveries with abnormal fetal presentations. These injuries can lead to significant disability or death, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Spinal Cord Injury Research

Background:

  • Birth-related spinal cord injuries are infrequent but devastating complications of childbirth.
  • Understanding the mechanisms and outcomes is crucial for improving neonatal care.

Observation:

  • A multicenter study reviewed nine cases of pediatric spinal cord injuries linked to birth.
  • Injuries predominantly affected the cervical spine (six cases).
  • Difficult deliveries, particularly breech presentations with head entrapment, were common risk factors.

Findings:

  • Three infants with upper cervical injuries died before age six.
  • The remaining six patients showed no neurological recovery.
  • Abnormal fetal presentations (breech, face) were associated with these injuries.

Implications:

  • Suspect spinal cord injury in neonates with hypotonia, quadriplegia, or paraplegia post-difficult delivery.
  • Prompt imaging, including plain radiographs and MRI, is essential for diagnosis.
  • Early recognition and management may improve outcomes for these rare neonatal conditions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Establishing a Mouse Contusion Spinal Cord Injury Model Based on a Minimally Invasive Technique07:17

Establishing a Mouse Contusion Spinal Cord Injury Model Based on a Minimally Invasive Technique

Published on: September 7, 2022

A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury09:24

A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury

Published on: January 5, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
The Spinal Cord01:54

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.
Spinal Cord01:26

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy01:15

Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy

The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...