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Spinal injuries in children
S Govender1, R W Charles, M N Rasool
1Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Congella, South Africa.
Injury
|November 1, 1990
Summary
This study identified three spinal injury patterns in children. Type 2 injuries, spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality, showed poor neurological recovery in complete spinal lesions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal injuries in children are complex and require precise classification.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for predicting outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify distinct patterns of pediatric spinal injuries.
- To correlate injury types with neurological recovery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 47 pediatric patients with spinal injuries.
- Categorization of injuries into three types based on radiographic and clinical findings.
Main Results:
- Type 1: Subluxations/dislocations without fracture.
- Type 2: Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA).
- Type 3: Spinal fractures, potentially with subluxation/dislocation.
- Complete spinal cord lesions associated with Type 2 injuries had poor neurological recovery.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric spinal injuries can be classified into three main patterns.
- Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (Type 2) is associated with poor neurological outcomes in severe cases.