Spinal trauma in children

• Published in: Pediatric radiology Vol. 31; no. 10; pp. 677 - 700
• Main Authors: Roche, Claire, Carty, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.10.2001; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Atlanto-Axial Joint - diagnostic imaging; Atlanto-Axial Joint - injuries; Biological and medical sciences; Cervical Vertebrae - anatomy & histology; Cervical Vertebrae - injuries; Child; Humans; Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents; Lumbar Vertebrae - anatomy & histology; Lumbar Vertebrae - injuries; Medical sciences; Multiple Trauma - complications; Multiple Trauma - diagnostic imaging; Radiography; Spinal Cord Injuries - complications; Spinal Cord Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Spinal Injuries - complications; Spinal Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Spondylolysis - diagnostic imaging; Thoracic Vertebrae - anatomy & histology; Thoracic Vertebrae - injuries; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Spinal cord; Luxation; Odontoid process of axis; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Vertebra; Fracture; Spine disease; Review; Atlantoaxial; Torticollis; Etiology; Diagnosis; Child; Human; Nervous system diseases; Radiodiagnosis; Dorsolumbar spine; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Trauma; Radiography; Central nervous system disease; Medical imagery; Computerized axial tomography; Bone; Spinal cord disease
• ISSN: 0301-0449; 1432-1998
• DOI: 10.1007/s002470100532

Evaluation of the child with suspected spinal injury can be a difficult task for the radiologist. Added to the problems posed by lack of familiarity with the normal appearances of the paediatric spine is anxiety about missing a potentially significant injury resulting in neurological damage. Due to differences in anatomy and function, the pattern of injury in the paediatric spine is different from that in the adolescent or adult. Lack of appreciation of these differences may lead to over investigation and inappropriate treatment. This review attempts to clarify some of the problems frequently encountered. It is based on a review of the literature as well as personal experience. The normal appearances and variants of the spine in children, the mechanisms and patterns of injury are reviewed highlighting the differences between children and adults. Specific fractures, a practical scheme for the assessment of spinal radiographs in children, and the role of cross sectional imaging are discussed.