Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:24
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
17.7K
Evaluation of traumatic spinal injuries: a pediatric perspective
Nihan Şık1, Sena Kalkan Bulut2, Özge Yıldırım Şalbaş2
1Division of Pediatric Emergency Care, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
Summary
Pediatric spinal trauma predominantly affects adolescent males, often resulting from road traffic collisions. Understanding these patterns is vital for prevention and identifying at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Spinal Injury Epidemiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Spinal trauma in children presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
- Accurate data on incidence and risk factors are essential for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pediatric patients with spinal trauma.
- To analyze demographic factors, injury mechanisms, and outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with confirmed spinal pathology.
- Data collection included demographics, trauma mechanisms, clinical findings, radiological results, treatments, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 105 pediatric patients (56.2% male, mean age 12.9 years) were analyzed.
- Road traffic collisions (60.0%) were the leading cause, followed by falls (32.4%).
- Spine fractures (97.1%), vertebral dislocations (10.7%), and spinal cord injuries (16.3%) were common; 17.1% had severe complications, and 2.9% died.
Conclusions:
- Spinal trauma in children primarily impacts adolescent males, frequently due to road traffic collisions.
- Demographic and incidence data are critical for developing targeted preventive measures and optimizing treatment for pediatric spinal injuries.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
01:14Spinal 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...
01:25Secondary 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...