Cervical spine injury in children: a case report and literature review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Traumatology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Traumatic injuries to the cervical spine are infrequent in pediatric populations compared to adults.
• Despite lower incidence, pediatric cervical spine injuries carry a high risk of significant morbidity and mortality.
• Children possess distinct developmental, anatomical, and biomechanical characteristics influencing injury patterns.

Observation:

• This study focuses on the unique characteristics of pediatric cervical spine injuries.
• A case report details a severe spinal cord transection in a young child following a motor vehicle accident.
• The observation aims to underscore the differences between adult and pediatric cervical spine trauma.

Findings:

• Pediatric cervical spine injuries, though uncommon, carry a high risk of severe disability and mortality.
• Anatomical and developmental variations in children influence injury patterns and outcomes.
• Motor vehicle accidents represent a significant mechanism for severe pediatric cervical spine trauma.

Implications:

• Highlights the critical need for recognizing unique pediatric cervical spine injury patterns.
• Emphasizes the importance of specialized pediatric trauma care protocols.
• Informs clinical practice and future research on preventing and managing pediatric spinal cord injuries.