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Post-traumatic cervical kyphosis in children cannot be prevented by non-operative methods
N Schwarz1, F Genelin, A F Schwarz
1Unfallkrankenhaus Wien Meidling, Austria.
Injury
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Non-operative treatment for pediatric lower cervical spine fractures often results in kyphotic deformity. Surgical fusion may be necessary to prevent or correct this spinal instability in children.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Spine Surgery
- Spinal Trauma
Background:
- Vertebral body flexion-compression fractures of the lower cervical spine are a significant concern in pediatric patients.
- Understanding the long-term outcomes of different treatment modalities is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the outcomes of pediatric patients treated for lower cervical spine flexion-compression fractures.
- To evaluate the efficacy of non-operative versus operative management in preventing kyphotic deformity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of eleven pediatric patients with lower cervical spine vertebral body flexion-compression fractures.
- Analysis of treatment approaches: non-operative management, ventral interbody fusion, and dorsal fusion.
- Assessment of kyphotic deformity at follow-up ranging from 1 month to 12 years.
Main Results:
- Six out of eight children treated non-operatively developed a kyphotic deformity exceeding 10 degrees.
- Two patients underwent ventral interbody fusion, and one had a dorsal fusion.
- Long-term follow-up (mean 55 months) indicated persistent kyphosis in non-operatively treated cases.
Conclusions:
- Non-operative management is frequently insufficient for preventing or correcting kyphotic deformity in pediatric lower cervical spine fractures.
- Surgical intervention, such as interbody or dorsal fusion, may be indicated for better spinal alignment and stability.