Thoracic and lumbar spine injuries

Abstract

Uniqueness of pediatric thoracolumbar spine injuries demands special attention despite their low prevalence. The different activity pro fi les of children along with different biomechanical characteristics of pediatric spine result in speci fi c injury patterns. Spinal cord injuries without radiological abnormalities and cartilaginous fractures with or without neural compression are unique to pediatric spine trauma. Different surgical techniques may be required to deal with small anatomy and future growth. Also the rehabilitation and follow-up of patients with pediatric spine injury present unique challenges such as development of spinal deformity with growth. In this chapter, we have tried to throw light on primary emergency room management, different injury mechanisms, accepted treatment protocols, and follow-up of children with injuries to the thoracolumbar spine.