[Cervical spine injuries in childhood. Conservative treatment or surgery?]

Among 260 patients with injuries of the cervical spine, treated from 1969 till 1982, there were 26 children, aged from 3 to 15 years. In 20 children a conservative treatment was sufficient; because of recurrent instability in the injured cervical segments surgical treatment became necessary in 6 patients. The clinical and radiological long-term results are presented. Indications, operative procedures and the advantages of an early surgical stabilization in cases of mobile dislocations and fracture-dislocations, even in childhood, are discussed.