Case Report

MULTILEVEL THORACIC VERTEBRAE FRACTURES IN CHILDREN: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LİTERATÜRE

  • Özgür ÖZDEMİR
  • Tarkan ÇALIŞANELLER

J Turk Spinal Surg 2008;19(1):33-38

Spinal injuries in children are relatively uncommon and represent a small number in all injuries. The incidence of paediatric spinal traumas has been reported approximately 1% to 10% of all spinal injuries. However, multilevel involvement of vertebrae fractures reported 50% of all fractures in children. In this report, we report a case of 10-year-girl that referred to our hospital after a motor vehicle accident. Evaluation of the patient revealed thoracic multilevel fractures. She was operated via posterior approach and spinal fusion was performed with instrumentation and allograft bones. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient was able to walk independently. Spinal injuries in childhood period and treatment modalities are discussed with a review of literature. In order to assess the stability of the fractures, posterior elements and ligamentous structures should be evaluated with detailed radiological examination. Appropriate documentation and the classification of the fractures for paediatric spinal injuries may be helpful for precise treatment.

Keywords: Burst fractures, Children, Multiple fractures, Spinal injury.