[Spinal fractures in children. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Apropos of 67 cases]

Between 1960 and 1980 the authors have observed 67 cases of spinal traumatism for children under 15 years old. Neurological deficit was present for 25 of these patients. At the first examination for 17 and after for 8. 5 children have total paraplegia without osteoligamentary lesions. The cervical traumatisms were without other injuries and were the result of minor trauma. The thoracolumbar traumatisms were accompanied by other injuries and were the result of violent trauma. Most of these lesions have been reduced by orthopedic method; only 4 children were operated because the dislocation was incoercible. The 15 children who presented total paraplegia had no recovery. For all the others, the recuperation was good.