Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2026
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
Spinal injury in children: a review of 156 cases seen from 1950 through 1978
Insights
Pediatric spinal injuries are serious, with high mortality and complication rates, often resulting from preventable causes like car accidents and falls. Early hospitalization care can reduce complications in children with spinal injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Spinal injuries in children are a significant concern.
- Understanding injury patterns and outcomes is crucial for improving care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics, causes, and outcomes of spinal injuries in children aged 14 and younger.
- To identify factors influencing injury patterns and complication rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 156 pediatric spinal injury cases.
- Categorization of injuries (orthopedic, neurologic, combined).
- Analysis of injury site, cause, treatment, complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Spinal injury frequency increases with age.
- Common causes include automobile accidents and falls.
- High rates of mortality and complications observed.
- Urban vs. rural injury modes differ.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric spinal injuries represent a serious health problem with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Most spinal injuries are preventable.
- Proactive management during initial hospitalization, focusing on infections and decubiti, can reduce complications.
Abstract:
We reviewed 156 cases of spinal injury sustained by children aged 14 years and younger. Analysis included the following: categorizing injury as an orthopedic (112), a neurologic (2), or a combined (42) problem; site along spinal column at which injury occurred; cause of injury (most commonly automobile accident and fall); referral pattern and hospital stay; immediate and rehabilitative therapy; complications; and deaths. The frequency of spinal injury in children increases with age. The mode of injury in urban and rural environments varies. Spinal injury is a serious problem and has an associated high mortality and a high complication rate. Most of the spinal injuries are preventable, and the incidence of complications can be lessened when special attention is given during the initial hospitalization to respiratory and urinary tract infections, decubiti, and behavior of the children.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology