Pediatric Spine Trauma

Spinal trauma occurs less frequently among the pediatric population when compared to the adult population. However, when it occurs, it requires a tailored assessment since the diagnosis is challenging. There are many confounding factors that make radiological images resulting from normal development appear as those caused by pediatric spinal trauma. Among children, due to the anatomical properties observed—more elasticity of the disco-ligaments spinal structures, less muscular development, cartilaginous bony structures, and disproportionate head–body ratio—the chance of severe spinal injuries, especially on the cervical spine, are higher. After confirmation of the first spinal injury, a second spinal injury, both contiguous and non-contiguous, must be ruled out. During growth, orthopaedic treatment along with close follow-up can be considered to many patients.