[Dorso-lumbar spinal compression fractures in the child. Follow-up at the termination of development]

Between 1970 and 1985, we count 32 children with compressive fractures of the vertebral column. None of them undergo a surgical procedure. We examine 24 of these 32 children with a mean delay of 10.5 years. Most of the fractures were referring to sporting activities and home games. The main localization was dorsal (T6) and upper-lumbar (12). The mean reduced height of the ventral portion of the vertebra was 27%. Some 10 years later, two third of the patients have some persistent pains and half of them daily. Most of the aches concerned children of more than 12 years when trauma occurred and those who developed a scoliosis during evolution. Wonder the global static of the rachis is little concerned in most of these children. Therefore compressive vertebral fracture of the youngster should be reduced and fixed by a corset. But the immobilization shouldn't be longer than 2 months, accompanied by appropriate gymnastics and followed by a quick renewal of the sporting activities.