Pediatric spine injuries- a review on current concepts of evaluation & management.

Pediatric spine injuries are distinct from adult spinal injuries due to the unique anatomical and physiological features of the developing spine. These differences, such as increased ligamentous laxity, the elasticity of interspinous ligaments, and the wedge-shaped vertebral bodies, make children more susceptible to certain types of spinal injuries, particularly in the cervical spine. Pediatric spine injuries, including cervical and thoracolumbar (TL) spine trauma, result in significant morbidity and mortality, with motor vehicle accidents being the leading cause of injury. This narrative review was conducted using PubMed, with the search terms "Pediatric" AND "Spine" AND "Trauma." Articles in English that addressed the epidemiology, management, or imaging of pediatric spine injuries were included, with emphasis on recent studies. Pediatric cervical spine injuries are the most common types of injuries, with upper cervical injuries having the highest mortality. There are some injuries like Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality (SCIWORA) which are attributed to the unique anatomy and growth patterns. Evaluation of these injuries are done by clinical assessment and imaging like radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The stable injuries are usually treated with immobilization, whereas the unstable injuries require surgical intervention. Pediatric spine injuries present unique diagnostic and management challenges due to the distinct anatomy. Timely recognition combined with imaging and efficient treatment strategies are essential to reduce mortality.