Pediatric spinal trauma: injuries in very young children

Injuries to the spine in very young children are comparatively rare. The prevalence of upper cervical injuries and spinal cord injuries is greater. Spinal cord injury is more common in young children and fracture is less common than in older children and adolescents. This is because of the anatomic and biomechanical differences in the growing spine including a more horizontal facet orientation, greater elasticity of the soft tissues, less muscular development, and relatively greater head size compared to the trunk. These features are more pronounced in the very young child. The clinical and radiographic evaluation of small children can be difficult. Unossified bone and physeal cartilage can be confused with fractures. The evaluation, safe transportation, and spinal clearance of the unconscious multiply injured child suspected of having spinal injury present special challenges.

Management of birth injuries

Birth injuries are a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although often associated with traumatic delivery, birth injuries often occur in normal spontaneous deliveries in the absence of any risk factors. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of the most common birth injuries that are encountered by health care providers who care for newborns.

[Shoulder dislocation in the newborn. Report of 12 cases and review of the literature]

Shoulder dislocation in the newborn is a rare entity. Therefore, a therapeutic regimen does not exist. This retrospective clinical study (1967-2003) includes 9 newborns with 12 dislocations of the shoulder. The data focus in particular on the therapeutic strategy and its success. The position of the joint and its functionality were monitored with a questionnaire. Publications from 1904 to 2003 were reviewed and served for comparison. Results of calculations showed that 0.018-0.07% of newborns suffer from shoulder dislocations. The diagnosis was made on average at the age of 22 days. Our data include four cases each of congenital and paralytic and two cases each of spastic and traumatic shoulder dislocations. All of them were initially treated conservatively, but because of inadequate results one patient finally had to be operated. In the follow-up of 19.4 years, none of them developed a redislocation and all shoulder functions were suitable for daily life. We propose that patients primarily be treated conservatively; however, if therapy fails, surgery has to be performed.

Refracture of the clavicle in an infant: case report and review of clavicle fractures in children

Perinatal clavicle fractures typically heal without complication, and subsequent refracture of the same clavicle during infancy or toddlerhood has not been reported. This is a case report of a fracture of the clavicle in a 9-month-old child who had previously suffered a fracture of the same clavicle at birth. A review of the evaluation and management of neonatal and post-neonatal clavicle fractures is also presented.

[Paralysis plexus brachialis--diagnostic and therapeutic protocol]

Traction injuries of the brachial plexus, if obstetrical, are diagnosed immediately upon birth based on clinical features, while the type and the degree of injury are confirmed by neurophysiological examination. In such cases, physical therapy is promptly applied and followed up until the age of three months, when, after consultation with neurosurgeon, either physical therapy is continued or surgery is performed. In traumatic injuries, based on clinical, neurological and neurophysiological findings, necessary surgical or pre- and postoperative physiatric interventions are performed. Timely diagnostics and therapy of brachial plexus injuries, followed by recovery of paralytic muscle motor function, enable motion coordination and prevention of contractures. From 2000-2004, 181 cases of brachial plexus birth trauma and 26 cases of brachial plexus traumatic lesions were diagnosed and treated in our institution. Among patients, there were 107 boys and 74 girls with birth injury of the brachial plexus, and 16 boys and 8 girls with traction injury of the brachial plexus sustained in traffic accident. Physical treatment involved combined thermo-, electro-, and kinesitherapy, with alignment of extremities. Upon completion of any treatment session and clinical and neurophysiological examinations, doctors' consultation determined whether to continue with physical therapy or to perform surgery followed by physical therapy with rehabilitation until achieving the maximal motor recovery. The analysis of results showed that functional and motor recovery was best if therapy was initiated immediately after the obstetrical injury or following the surgery. Therapeutic approach was individualized and depended on the level and degree of lesions. Thus, maximal motor and functional recovery of the injured extremity was achieved, with work therapy and professional orientation of such patients.

Management of birth injuries

Birth injuries are a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although they are frequently associated with traumatic delivery, birth injuries often occur in normal spontaneous deliveries in the absence of any risk factors. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of the most common birth injuries encountered by health care providers caring for newborns.

Randomised controlled trial of swaddling versus massage in the management of excessive crying in infants with cerebral injuries

BACKGROUND

Infants with neonatal cerebral insults are susceptible to excessive crying as a result of difficulties with self-regulation.

AIMS

To compare the effectiveness of swaddling versus massage therapy in the management of excessive crying of infants with cerebral insults.

METHODS

Randomised three-week parallel comparison of the efficacy of two intervention methods. Infants with symptoms of troublesome crying and their parents were randomly assigned to a swaddling intervention group (n = 13) or a massage intervention group (n = 12).

RESULTS

The amount of total daily crying decreased significantly in the swaddling group, but did not decrease significantly in the massage group. Infant behavioural profiles and maternal anxiety levels improved significantly in the swaddling group post-intervention. Parents in the swaddling group were more satisfied with the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing crying than parents in the massage group.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that swaddling may be more effective than massage intervention in reducing crying in infants with cerebral injuries.

Suivi à long terme des épaules paralytiques obstétricales (à propos de 129 cas)

OBJECTIVES

To study shoulder impairment and disability caused by obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, their evolution under physical and surgical treatments, and the place of complementary explorations in persistent sequels.

METHODS

From 1991 to 2000, 129 patients (66 M, 63 F) were included in a retrospective study. Impairment was assessed by muscle recovery (deltoid, biceps, external rotators) and shoulder passive motion. Disability was assessed by Mallet functional test.

RESULTS

Full spontaneous recovery was noted in 20% of patients before the age of 3 months. Repair of the nerve lesion was undertaken in four children between the 18th and 24th months. Full recovery of deltoid and biceps was noted in three-fourth of whole cases before the 12th month, and of the external rotation in only 45% at this same age. Seventy-seven percent of patients showed stage >or= III of Mallet test (VI: 20%, IV: 32%; III: 25%) at a middle age of 3.5 years. A long-term follow-up showed an external rotation limited less than 20 degrees in 15 children. Investigation by RMN or Arthroscanner was realized for five patients, this reveals a deformation with subluxation of the humeral head in two cases. Ten children were operated (liberation of sub-scapula in nine cases associated to a tendinous transfer six times; humeral osteotomie in one case). This surgery has allowed the improvement of the functional state in all cases.

CONCLUSION

After-effects in shoulder are frequent especially the limitation of external rotation, which can lead to a deformation, and subluxation of the humeral head. The authors insist on the importance to push investigations in case of limitation of the passive external rotation to improve the therapeutic choice.

The postnatal management of the asphyxiated term infant

Investigations in animal models of hypoxic-ischemic injury have not translated into clinical trials of success because of the complex pathology of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonates, the difficulty in defining the onset and duration and severity of the injury, the underlying predisposing disorders of the mothers or the infant, the side effects of many of the investigational drugs precluded clinical use, and many of the investigational agents interfered with only one step of the cascade of events that lead to brain injury. It is possible that a combination of therapeutic agents, including those that affect different levels of the cascade to cell death, will have the greatest neuroprotective effects. Modest hypothermia postpones secondary energy failure and can prolong the window while pharmacotherapeutic agents can be used. It is possible that in the future, sequential administration of agents or strategies that are initiated in the intrapartum period and continued postnatally will be the optimum method for treating infants who are at highest risk for brain injury following acute hypoxic-ischemic asphyxia.

Advances in postnatal neuroimaging: relevance to pathogenesis and treatment of brain injury

The human brain is susceptible to a wide variety of insults. The permanent residua of these abnormalities are represented in dysfunction of one or more areas of neurodevelopment. A full understanding of normal brain development, mechanisms of brain injury, and consequences for subsequent brain development is required to determine which infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental handicap, and to monitor the effects of new treatments and management regimens designed to prevent these disabilities. Advanced magnetic resonance techniques, such as quantitative morphometric magnetic resonance techniques, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance techniques, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy applied to the study of early human brain development have given us a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of brain injury and its effects on subsequent brain development. Magnetic resonance imaging has provided an invaluable tool for the study of the fetal and newborn brain in vivo.

[Life-threatening subgaleal bleeding in a newborn infant]

Subgaleal haematoma, also called subaponeurotic haemorrhage, is a serious but rarely seen form of bleeding that can occur as a complication to vacuum-assisted delivery. Subgaleal haemorrhage may be much more copious than the more common subperiostal bleeding, and can almost exsanguinate the infant. A pressure bandage applied to the upper head can be lifesaving.

Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of cranial epidural hematoma in a neonate: treating a rare complication of vacuum extraction

Epidural hematoma is a rare form of neonatal birth injury accounting for 2% of newborn intracranial hemorrhage. We report the first case of ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of a cranial epidural hematoma in a neonate who also suffered subgaleal and intraparenchymal hemorrhage as a complication of vacuum extraction.

[Nasal injuries during labor and in early childhood. Etiopathogenesis, consequences and therapeutic options]

Childhood and perinatal nasal traumatisms involve an anterior septal deviation or an anterior septal lysis. These complications induce a soft nasal tip. Nasal obstruction et oral ventilation are responsible for the development of facial and occlusal sequelae. A better knowledge of anatomy and physiopathology of nasal traumatisms is needed for an earlier treatment.

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques in perinatal brain injury

Despite marked improvements in perinatal practice, perinatal brain injury remains one of the most common complications causing chronic handicapping conditions. Experimental advances have elucidated many of the cellular and vascular mechanisms of perinatal brain damage showing a correlation between the nature of the injury and the maturation of the brain. New diagnostic tools, such as quantitative three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, diffusion-weighted MR imaging and proton MR spectroscopy, are presented in this review article that allow to assess brain development, detect early brain injury and monitor effects of perinatal brain injury on subsequent brain development and brain plasticity. These techniques will guide future therapeutic interventions aimed at minimizing irreversible perinatal brain injury.

[Obstetrical injuries of the brachial plexus]

Although birth-related brachial plexus injury (BPI) was first described more than two centuries ago, it still represents therapeutic dillemma. Incidence is 0.37-2.0 per 1000 live births. The most frequent etiologic cause is extreme lateral traction and excessive fundal pressure in a case of shoulder dystocia. However, in last decade there are reports that cite of BPIs occurring prior to delivery in up to 46% cases--intrauterine maladaptation. In 1998. and 1999. at the Rehabilitation Department of Pediatric Hospital, Clinical University Center in Sarajevo 32 children with BPI were treated. The incidence is 2.67 per 1000 live births. There were 21 cases of Erb's palsy (65.63%), 2 cases of Klumpke's palsy (6.25%). Total plexus palsy was present in 9 children (28.63%), and Horner's Syndrome in 1 case. In 25.77% of cases (8 children) there was-no evidence of shoulder dystocia at delivery. Treatment of the brachial plexus injuries in newborn is still controversial. Proper immobilization in first 7-15 days is of great importance. In this study 25 children (78.13%), in average age of 4.6 days, were brought for examination with improper immobilization. The role of widely applied electrotherapy is controversial. Complete recovery is expected in about one half, and in this study it was achieved in 75% of cases (24 children). Consensus about timing od surgical approach does not exist still. However, there is strong agreement that decision about eventual surgical treatment should be based on clinical motor testing and that MRI should precede the surgery. Although the electrodiagnostic studies have proven to be of limited prognostic value in the evaluation of children with acute obstetrical brachial plexus injuries, electromyography should be performed prior the surgery in the aim of later comparison of the results. According to our data, at this particular moment in BiH surgical treatment in this age is not available, as well as use of MRI in diagnostics of BPIs.

[Interference therapy in children with birth injuries of the brachial plexus]

The effect of interference waves on natal injuries of the brachial plexus was studied in 31 patients. Positive trends were observed in muscular tone and performance, motor activity of the affected joints. Effectiveness of a course interference therapy reached 84.5%.