Spontaneously occurring fractures of the spine in skeletally immature animals

The pediatric spine: anatomical and dynamic considerations preceding manipulation

Spinal manipulation is effective for the treatment of many conditions, albeit not without possible complications. The incidence of subtle growth plate fractures following high-velocity techniques in children is surely under-appreciated because of the occult nature of these injuries.

Circumferential growth plate fracture of the thoracolumbar spine from child abuse

We report a unique fracture dislocation of the immature spine associated with child abuse and paraplegia. Because it occurs through growth centers, this fracture may be initially difficult to identify without special studies. The fracture patterns were isolated injuries in both children and were best shown with computer tomography. Mechanisms of injury are proposed and should suggest child abuse as a cause. Experience with these initial cases has suggested a treatment approach based on the mechanism of injury. There is no indirect means of reduction for this fracture and anterior open reduction is the treatment of choice.

Delayed central cord syndrome after a handstand in a child: case report

We report a case of a central cord syndrome in a 7 year-old girl. After several handstands, with sudden upper thoracic back pain and weakness of the legs 2 to 3 h later, then rapidly progressive tetraplegia with apnea. Plain X-rays and CT myelography of the cervical spine revealed no abnormalities. Although the initial neurological deficit was severe enough to require the child to be placed on a mechanical ventilator, she recovered to be able to walk on the 24th hospital day. Since the development of a central cord syndrome after handstands is exceptional in a child with a normal cervical spine, we report here briefly.