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Spinal fractures in children are less common compared to adults. This is because children’s vertebrae have more elasticity. The most frequent causes of the spinal injuries and vertebral fractures are automobile collisions, falling from heights, and sport injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries Without Radiological Abnormality (SCIWORA): These injuries are specific to children. The bony spine is more elastic than the spinal cord. Therefore, the spine can tolerate distraction caused by the trauma, however the spinal column cannot and thus becomes injured. Spinal cord injuries can be determined by MRI. These injuries generally result in paralysis and complete recovery is difficult.
Fractures in the neck: Such injuries are generally observed after diving into a pool or sea without knowing its depth. Spinal cord and nerve injuries may occur. Based on the type of fracture, surgery or external halo treatment may be required.
Fractures in the lumbar and back spine: Traffic accidents are one of the main reasons for these types of fractures. It may be observed as compression or burst fracture, or fracture-dislocations.
- Compression fractures: Generally, these do not cause nerve injuries. Brace treatment may yield good outcomes and surgical treatment is rarely required.
- Burst fractures: May cause nerve injuries. If ligamentous injury accompanies, surgical fixation will be necessary. If the posterior ligamentous complex is intact, bracing or casting may be applied.
- Fracture-Dislocations: Generally leads to nerve injuries, and disrupts the vertebral column integrity. Surgery is generally required.
How are Spinal Fractures Diagnosed in children?
Spinal fractures commonly occur after severe trauma. Severe pain is observed. If nerve injury is present, the child may be unable to move his/her arms or legs based on the location of the fracture. Such patients should immediately be transferred to the closest hospital by an ambulance. X-rays, CT and MRI can be used to confirm diagnosis.
How do spinal fractures recover in children?
The recovery rate is faster in children than adults with spinal fractures. Results are more favorable when nerve and spinal cord injury is absent.