Cervical spine trauma in the injured child: a tragic injury with potential for salvageable functional outcome,

Development of a New Emergency Medicine Spinal Immobilization Protocol for Pediatric Trauma Patients and First Applicability Test on Emergency Medicine Personnel

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to (i) develop a protocol that supports decision making for prehospital spinal immobilization in pediatric trauma patients based on evidence from current scientific literature and (ii) perform an applicability test on emergency medicine personnel.

METHODS

A structured search of the literature published between 1980 and 2019 was performed in MEDLINE using PubMed. Based on this literature search, a new Emergency Medicine Spinal Immobilization Protocol for pediatric trauma patients (E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric) was developed. Parameters found in the literature, such as trauma mechanism and clinical findings that accounted for a high probability of spinal injury, were included in the protocol. An applicability test was administered to German emergency medicine personnel using a questionnaire with case examples to assess correct decision making according to the protocol.

RESULTS

The E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric was developed based on evidence from published literature. In the applicability test involving 44 emergency medicine providers revealed that 82.9% of participants chose the correct type of immobilization based on the protocol. A total of 97.8% evaluated the E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric as helpful.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current literature, the E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric was developed in accordance with established procedures used in trauma care. The decision regarding immobilization is made on based on the cardiopulmonary status of the patient, and life-threatening injuries are treated with priority. If the patient presents in stable condition, the necessity for full immobilization is assessed based upon the mechanisms of injury, assessment of impairment, and clinical examination.

Trends in pediatric cervical spine injuries in the United States in a 10-year period

BACKGROUND

Cervical spine fractures (CSFs) are potentially devastating injuries in pediatric population. Fortunately, these injuries are uncommon in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology, the risk factors, mechanisms of injury and to identify possible strategies for prevention. In addition, the aim of the current study was to compare CSF sustained in 2003 to CSF sustained in 2008 and 2013 so as to recognize the trend of pediatric CSFs in the United States.

METHODS

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for CSF sustained in pediatric population up to 16 years of age for years 2003, 2008, and 2013. Outcomes of interest were patient characteristics (age and sex), causes of CSF, and mechanism of injury.

RESULTS

Eighty pediatric patients with CSF were identified. The average age was 10.5 years. Boys sustained significantly more CSF than girls. Statistically significant more CSF were occurred in children of 10-16 years than in children up to 9 years. Sports or recreational activities and home-related accidents were the predominant causes of CSF. Mechanisms of injury were age-related, with younger children sustaining CSF as a result of home-related accidents while adolescents commonly injured during sporting or recreational activities. In contrast to current data in literature, motor vehicle accidents were not a major cause of CSF. Comparing the years 2003, 2008, and 2013, statistically significant differences in the incidence of CSF were not found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms previous findings that adolescents who sustain CSF have higher incidence of sport or recreation-related accidents than younger patients who sustain commonly home-related accidents as a consequence of insufficient parental supervision. The perception that motor vehicle accidents comprise major cause of CSF appears not to be true.

[Development and first application testing of a new protocol for preclinical spinal immobilization in children : Assessment of indications based on the E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric]

BACKGROUND

To protect the spine from secondary damage, spinal immobilization is a standard procedure in prehospital trauma management. Immobilization protocols aim to support emergency medicine personnel in quick decision making but predominantly focus on the adult spine; however, trauma mechanisms and injury patterns in adults differ from those in children and applying adult prehospital immobilization protocols to pediatric patients may be insufficient. Adequate protocols for children with spinal injuries are currently unavailable.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was (i) to develop a protocol that supports decision making for prehospital spinal immobilization in pediatric trauma patients based on evidence from current scientific literature and (ii) to perform a first analysis of the quality of results if the protocol is used by emergency personnel.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Based on a structured literature search a new immobilization protocol was developed. Analysis of the quality of results was performed by a questionnaire containing four case scenarios in order to assess correct decision making. The decision about spinal immobilization was made without and with the utilization of the protocol.

RESULTS

The E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric was developed based on the literature. The analysis of the quality of results was performed involving 39 emergency medicine providers. It could be shown that if the E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric was used, the correct type of immobilization was chosen more frequently. A total of 38 out of 39 participants evaluated the protocol as helpful.

CONCLUSION

The E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric provides decision-making support whether pediatric spine immobilization is indicated with respect to the cardiopulmonary status of the patient. In a first analysis, the E.M.S. IMMO Protocol Pediatric improves decision making by emergency medical care providers.

Incidence of Pediatric Cervical Spine Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan

Cervical spine injuries in pediatric trauma patients are uncommon, and subsequently, proper diagnosis and the efficacy of spinal motion restriction in these patients remain a subject of contention. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Objective

Military providers frequently treat civilians, including pediatric patients. Cervical spine injuries in pediatric trauma patients occur infrequently, with limited data on the incidence. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Methods

We queried the Department of Defense Trauma Registry for all pediatric encounters from January 2007 to January 2016. We searched within that dataset for all cervical spine fractures.

Results

From January 2007 through January 2016 there were 3439 pediatric encounters. There were 36 subjects identified (1.0%) with a cervical spine fracture. Of those with a cervical spine fracture, 6 (17%) had a prehospital cervical collar placed, which did not improve survival to hospital discharge (collar, 66.7% vs no collar, 83.3%, P = 0.573). Of those with a cervical spine fracture, 6 (17%) had a documented spinal cord injury. The median age of subjects with a cervical spine fracture was 9.5 years and the majority (63.9%) were male. Most were injured by explosion (41.7%). The median composite injury score was higher in subjects with a cervical spine fracture compared with those without one (16.5 vs 10, P < 0.001). Subjects with a cervical spine fracture had longer lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (median 3 days vs 1, P = 0.012) and a trend toward worse survival to hospital discharge (80.6%, n = 29, vs 90.3%, n = 3074, P = 0.079).

Conclusions

Cervical spine injuries occurred infrequently in pediatric patients in Iraq and Afghanistan. When a fracture was present, almost one in five patients had spinal cord involvement. The pediatric prehospital literature would benefit from the development of a clinical decision tool to guide prehospital personnel as to when a cervical collar is indicated. Moreover, appropriate size equipment should be available when caring for host national civilians.

Triage tools for detecting cervical spine injury in pediatric trauma patients

BACKGROUND

Pediatric cervical spine injury (CSI) after blunt trauma is rare. Nonetheless, missing these injuries can have severe consequences. To prevent the overuse of radiographic imaging, two clinical decision tools have been developed: The National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria and the Canadian C-spine Rule (CCR). Both tools are proven to be accurate in deciding whether or not diagnostic imaging is needed in adults presenting for blunt trauma screening at the emergency department. However, little information is known about the accuracy of these triage tools in a pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the NEXUS criteria and the Canadian C-spine Rule in a pediatric population evaluated for CSI following blunt trauma.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases to 24 February 2015: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE Non-Indexed and In-Process Citations, PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database, OpenGrey, ClinicalTrials.gov, World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the Health Technology Assessment, and the Aggressive Research Intelligence Facility.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all retrospective and prospective studies involving children following blunt trauma that evaluated the accuracy of the NEXUS criteria, the Canadian C-spine Rule, or both. Plain radiography, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine, and follow-up were considered as adequate reference standards.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the quality of included studies using the QUADAS-2 checklists. They extracted data on study design, patient characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, clinical parameters, target condition, reference standard, and the diagnostic two-by-two table. We calculated and plotted sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value in ROC space, and constructed forest plots for visual examination of variation in test accuracy.

MAIN RESULTS

Three cohort studies were eligible for analysis, including 3380 patients ; 96 children were diagnosed with CSI. One study evaluated the accuracy of the Canadian C-spine Rule and the NEXUS criteria, and two studies evaluated the accuracy of the NEXUS criteria. The studies were of moderate quality. Due to the small number of included studies and the diverse outcomes of those studies, we could not describe a pooled estimate for the diagnostic test accuracy. The sensitivity of the NEXUS criteria of the individual studies was 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 0.90), 0.98 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.00) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.00). The specificity of the NEXUS criteria was 0.35 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.45), 0.54 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.62) and 0.2 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.21). For the Canadian C-spine Rule the sensitivity was 0.86 (95% CI 0.42 to 1.00) and specificity was 0.15 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.23). Since the quantity of the data was small we were not able to investigate heterogeneity.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There are currently few studies assessing the diagnostic test accuracy of the NEXUS criteria and CCR in children. At the moment, there is not enough evidence to determine the accuracy of the Canadian C-spine Rule to detect CSI in pediatric trauma patients following blunt trauma. The confidence interval of the sensitivity of the NEXUS criteria between the individual studies showed a wide range, with a lower limit varying from 0.18 to 0.91 with a total of four false negative test results, meaning that if physicians use the NEXUS criteria in children, there is a chance of missing CSI. Since missing CSI could have severe consequences with the risk of significant morbidity, we consider that the NEXUS criteria are at best a guide to clinical assessment, with current evidence not supporting strict or protocolized adoption of the tool into pediatric trauma care. Moreover, we have to keep in mind that the sensitivity differs among several studies, and individual confidence intervals of these studies show a wide range. Our main conclusion is therefore that additional well-designed studies with large sample sizes are required to better evaluate the accuracy of the NEXUS criteria or the Canadian C-spine Rule, or both, in order to determine whether they are appropriate triage tools for the clearance of the cervical spine in children following blunt trauma.

Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation: A Review for the Pediatric Emergency Physician

Pediatric emergency physicians must have a high clinical suspicion for atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS), particularly when a child presents with neck pain and an abnormal head posture without the ability to return to a neutral position. As shown in the neurosurgical literature, timely diagnosis and swift initiation of treatment have a greater chance of treatment success for the patient. However, timely treatment is complicated because torticollis can result from a variety of maladies, including: congenital abnormalities involving the C1-C2 joint or the surrounding supporting muscles and ligaments, central nervous system abnormalities, obstetric palsies from brachial plexus injuries, clavicle fractures, head and neck surgery, and infection. The treating pediatrician must discern the etiology of the underlying problem to determine both timing and treatment paradigms, which vary widely between these illnesses. We present a comprehensive review of AARS that is intended for pediatric emergency physicians. Management of AARS can vary widely bases on factors, such as duration of symptoms, as well as the patient's history. The goal of this review is to streamline the management paradigms and provide an inclusive review for pediatric emergency first responders.

Long-term growth and alignment after occipitocervical and atlantoaxial fusion with rigid internal fixation in young children

OBJECT The long-term consequences of atlantoaxial (AA) and occipitocervical (OC) fusion and instrumentation in young children are unknown. Anecdotal reports have raised concerns regarding altered growth and alignment of the cervical spine after surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effects of these surgeries on the growth and alignment of the maturing spine. METHODS A multiinstitutional retrospective chart review was conducted for patients less than or equal to 6 years of age who underwent OC or AA fusion with rigid instrumentation at 9 participating centers. All patients had at least 3 years of clinical and radiographic follow-up data and radiographically confirmed fusion. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and most recent follow-up radiographs and/or CT scans were evaluated to assess changes in spinal growth and alignment. RESULTS Forty children (9 who underwent AA fusion and 31 who underwent OC fusion) were included in the study (mean follow-up duration 56 months). The mean vertical growth over the fused levels in the AA fusion patients represented 30% of the growth of the cervical spine (range 10%-50%). Three different vertical growth patterns of the fusion construct developed among the 31 OC fusion patients during the follow-up period: 1) 16 patients had substantial growth (13%-46% of the total growth of the cervical spine); 2) 9 patients had no meaningful growth; and 3) 6 patients, most of whom presented with a distracted atlantooccipital dislocation, had a decrease in the height of the fused levels (range 7-23 mm). Regarding spinal alignment, 85% (34/40) of the patients had good alignment at follow-up, with straight or mildly lordotic cervical curvatures. In 1 AA fusion patient (11%) and 5 OC fusion patients (16%), we observed new hyperlordosis (range 43°-62°). There were no cases of new kyphosis or swan-neck deformity, evidence of subaxial instability, or unintended subaxial fusion. No preoperative predictors of these growth patterns or alignment were evident. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that most young children undergoing AA and OC fusion with rigid internal fixation continue to have good cervical alignment and continued growth within the fused levels during a prolonged follow-up period. However, some variability in vertical growth and alignment exists, highlighting the need to continue close long-term follow-up.

Implementation of pediatric cervical spine clearance guidelines at a combined trauma center: Twelve-month impact

BACKGROUND

Pediatric cervical spine clearance guidelines should reduce computed tomography (CT) usage in combined pediatric and adult trauma centers biased by adult CT clearance.

METHODS

Cervical spine clearance under age 15 years was compared 12 months before (128 patients) and after (105 patients) guideline implementation, emphasizing National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria when appropriate.

RESULTS

CT scans in patients clearable by NEXUS criteria decreased 23% (p = 0.01) and decreased by 16% in cases where radiography other than CT was indicated by guidelines (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Guideline implementation can have an immediate effect in decreasing pediatric cervical spine CT usage and should improve across time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Care management study, level IV.

Imaging, clearance, and controversies in pediatric cervical spine trauma

Diagnosing cervical spine injury in children can be difficult because the clinical examination can be unreliable, and evidence-based consensus guidelines for cervical spine injury evaluation in children have not been established. However, the consequences of cervical spine injuries are significant. Therefore, practitioners should understand common patterns of cervical spine injury in children, the evidence and indications for cervical spine imaging, and which imaging modalities to use. Herein, we review the epidemiology and unique anatomical features of pediatric cervical spine injury. In addition, we will summarize current practice for clearance and imaging of the pediatric cervical spine in trauma.

Variability of prehospital spinal immobilization in children at risk for cervical spine injury

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare prehospital spinal immobilization techniques applied to age-based cohorts of children with and without cervical spine injury (CSI) after blunt trauma.

METHODS

We compared prehospital spinal immobilization in 3 age-based cohorts of children with blunt trauma-related CSI transported to 1 of 17 participating hospitals. We also compared children younger than 2 years with CSI with those at risk for but without CSI after blunt trauma. We identified patients through query of billing and radiology databases. We compared immobilization methods using Fisher's exact test for homogeneity.

RESULTS

We identified 16 children younger than 2 years, 78 children 2 to 7 years old, and 221 children 8 to 15 years old with CSI, and 66 children younger than 2 years without CSI. There were no significant differences in spinal immobilization techniques applied to children younger than 2 years old with and without CSI (P = 0.34). Of the 82 children younger than 2 years, 34 (41%) were fully immobilized in a cervical collar and rigid long board. There was a significant difference between spinal immobilization techniques applied to children with CSI younger than 2 years and 8 to 15 years old (P < 0.01). Six (38%) children with CSI younger than 2 years were fully immobilized versus 49 (63%) children 2 to 7 years old and 175 (79%) children 8 to 15 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective, observational study involving several emergency departments and Emergency Medical Services systems, we found that full spinal immobilization is inconsistently applied to children younger than 2 years after blunt trauma regardless of the presence of CSI. Full spinal immobilization is applied more consistently to older children with CSI.

Outcomes of instrumented fusion in the pediatric cervical spine

Object

The most common cause of cervical spine arthrodesis in the pediatric population is instability related to congenital or traumatic pathology. Instrumenting the cervical spine can be challenging given smaller anatomical structures, less ossified bone, and future growth potential and development. Studies in adult patients have suggested that using screw constructs results in improved outcomes with lower rates of instrumentation failure. However, the pediatric literature is limited to small retrospective series. Based on a review of the literature and their own patient series, the authors report that instrumenting the pediatric cervical spine with screw constructs may be safer and more effective than using wiring techniques.

Methods

The authors reviewed the existing pediatric cervical spine arthrodesis literature and contributed 31 of their own cases from September 1, 2007, to January 1, 2011. They reviewed 204 abstracts from January 1, 1966, to December 31, 2010, and 80 manuscripts with 883 total patients were included in the review. They recorded demographic, radiographic, and outcomes data—as well as surgical details—with a focus on fusion rates and complications.

Patients were then grouped into categories based upon the procedure performed: 1) patients who underwent fusions bridging the occipitocervical junction and 2) patients who underwent fusion of the cervical spine that did not include the occiput, thus including atlantoaxial and subaxial fusions. Patients were further subdivided according to the type of instrumentation used—some had posterior cervical fusion with wiring (with or without rod implantation); others had posterior cervical fusion with screws.

Results

The entire series comprised 914 patients with a mean age of 8.30 years. Congenital abnormalities were encountered most often (in 55% of cases), and patients had a mean follow-up of 32.5 months. From the entire cohort, 242 patients (26%) experienced postsurgical complications, and 50 patients (5%) had multiple complications. The overall fusion rate was 94.4%.

For occipitocervical fusions (N = 285), both screw and wiring groups had very high fusion rates (99% and 95%, respectively, p = 0.08). However, wiring was associated with a higher complication rate. From a sample of 252 patients, 14% of those treated with screw instrumentation had complications, compared with 50% of patients treated with wiring (p < 0.05).

In cervical fusions not involving the occipitocervical junction (N = 181), screw constructs had a 99% fusion rate, whereas wire instrumentation only had an 83% fusion rate (p < 0.05). Similarly, patients who underwent screw fixation had a lower complication profile (15%) when compared with those treated with wiring constructs (54%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study are limited by variations in construct design, use of orthoses, follow-up duration, and newer adjuvant products promoting fusions. However, a literature review and the authors' own series of pediatric cases suggest that instrumentation of the cervical spine in children may be safer and more efficacious using screw constructs rather than wiring techniques.

Clearing the cervical spine in children

Increasing evidence from adult trauma patients has allowed the formation of some international consensus on clearance protocols. The evidence for paediatric trauma remains more fragmented, making the creation of definitive protocols difficult. Spinal injury in children differs from that in adults by injury distribution and prevalence, as well as anatomical and radiological differences. This complicates the process of clearance of the cervical spine in children. The evidence for clearance can be considered in terms of three groups of patients – the alert and asymptomatic child, the conscious child with high-risk criteria and the unconscious or obtunded child. This systematic review summarises the available evidence to clarify the current best practice for each group of patients.

Effect of age on cervical spine injury in pediatric population: a National Trauma Data Bank review

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence, risk factors, and patterns of cervical spine injury (CSI) in different pediatric developmental ages.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the National Trauma Data Bank was conducted for the period of January 2002 through December 2006 to identify pediatric patients admitted following blunt trauma. Patients were stratified into 4 developmental age groups: infants/toddlers (age 0-3 years), preschool/young children (age 4-9 years), preadolescents (age 10-13 years), and adolescents (age 14-17 years). Patients with a CSI were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Demographics, clinical injury data, level of CSI, and outcomes were abstracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 240,647 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 1.3% (n = 3,035) sustained a CSI. The incidence of CSI in the stratified age groups was 0.4% in infants/toddlers, 0.4% in preschool/young children, 0.8% in preadolescents, and 2.6% in adolescents. The level of CSI (upper [C1-C4] vs lower [C5-C7]) according to the age groups was as follows: infants and toddlers, 70% vs 25%; preschool/young children, 74% vs 17%; preadolescents, 52% vs 37%; and adolescents, 40% vs 45%, respectively. The adjusted risk for CSI increased 2-fold in preadolescents and 5-fold in adolescents.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of pediatric CSI increases in a stepwise fashion after 9 years of age. We noted an increase in lower CSI and a decrease in upper CSI after the age of 9 years. The incidence of upper CSI compared with lower CSI was higher in preadolescents (52% vs 37%) and almost equal in adolescents (40% vs 45%).

Circumferential fixation with craniofacial miniplates for a cervical spine injury in a child

Unstable pediatric cervical spine injuries present significant challenges in terms of fixation. Given the smaller cervical vertebral bodies in the preschool-aged population, commercially available pediatric cervical fixation instrumentation may be unsuitable because of the inappropriately large size of the screws and plates. The authors describe a 2-year-old girl who sustained an unstable C6-7 distraction injury during a motor vehicle accident. Because of the small size of her vertebral bodies, standard cervical spine instrumentation was not feasible, and posterior wiring alone was believed to be insufficient because of the complete distraction of all 3 spinal columns. The patient was taken to the operating room where craniofacial plates with an inherent locking mechanism were used to circumferentially stabilize the cervical spine. Follow-up examination 6 months postoperatively demonstrated stable cervical spine alignment and fusion with no evidence of the failure of either the anterior or posterior hardware. The use of craniofacial miniplates with an intrinsic locking mechanism represents a superior alternative for both anterior and posterior cervical fixations when spinal instrumentation is needed in the pediatric age group.

Fracture of the odontoid process in children: a case report

The authors report a case of apophysial fracture of the odontoid process in association with paresis of the upper extremities in a 5-year-old child. The fracture was treated by gradual guided self-reduction without anaesthesia, followed by a Minerva jacket cast immobilisation. Reduction was anatomical, and the neurological problems regressed within 48 hours.

Cervical spine trauma in the pediatric patient

Injuries to the pediatric cervical spine occur infrequently. Numerous unique anatomic and biomechanical features of the pediatric spine render it much more flexible than the adult spine. These features give rise to significant differences in the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pediatric cervical trauma compared with adults. Younger children more often suffer injury to the upper cervical spine with greater neurologic injury and fewer fractures. Once the child reaches the age of 10 years, he or she develops a more adult-type spine, and injuries are thus more similar to those seen in the adult population. The unique anatomic and biomechanical differences in the pediatric spine are discussed, along with the various common and unique injuries.

Graves' disease with intractable diarrhea, chylous ascites, and chylothorax: a case report

A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of severe diarrhea, irritableness, and severe pitting edema of the legs. The patient had been well until 5 years before admission, when a tremor and tachycardia developed and a diagnosis of Graves' disease was made. Treatment with methimazole was effective in reducing her tremor and tachycardia; however, she was often nonadherent with her antithyroid medication because of improvement of her symptoms. On admission, a thyroid swelling, exophthalmos, a pleural effusion, and ascites were observed. The results of thyroid function tests (free triiodothyronine: 21.5 pg/mL; free thyroxine: 7.17 ng/dL; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): <0.01 microIU/mL; TSH receptor antibodies: 95.9%) were consistent with Graves' disease. Biochemical analysis of pleural and ascitic fluid was consistent with chylothorax and chylous ascites, respectively. Serum calcium, total protein, and albumin were very low. Her symptoms and signs except severe diarrhea, edema, pleural effusion, and ascites disappeared after receiving intravenous drip infusion of fluid replacement, and methimazole and iodine. Because of malnutrition, she was given a high-calorie intravenous infusion. Three months after admission, her pleural effusion and ascites began to improve, as did her diarrhea and hypoalbuminemia. An appropriate treatment of Graves' disease is crucial to avoid serious sequelae of longstanding, poorly controlled hyperthyroidism.

Cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Cervical spine injuries are uncommon in pediatric trauma patients. Previous studies were often limited by the small numbers of patients available for evaluation. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of pediatric cervical spine injuries at this Level 1 trauma center and to review the authors' experiences with documented cases.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of all pediatric trauma patients with skeletal and/or nonskeletal injuries of the spine that were admitted to this Level 1 trauma center between 1980 and 2004. Those with significant injuries of the cervical spine were identified and included in this study. Pediatric patients were defined as patients younger than the age of 17 years. In addition, they were stratified by age into two study groups: group A included patients aged 8 years or fewer and group B contained patients from the ages of 9 to 16 years.

RESULTS

We found 56 pediatric patients with injuries of the cervical spine that met criteria for inclusion. Thirty-one female and 25 male patients with an average age of 8.9 years (range, 1-16 years) sustained significant skeletal and/or nonskeletal injuries of the cervical spine and were entered in this study. Thirty patients (54%) were aged 8 years or fewer and entered into study group A, whereas 26 patients (46%) from the ages of 9 to 16 met criteria for inclusion in study group B. An analysis of data revealed that younger patients (group A) showed significantly more injuries of the upper cervical spine, whereas older children (group B) sustained significantly more injuries of the lower level. Spinal cord injuries without radiographic findings were only found in study group A. In addition, younger children were more likely injured by motor vehicle crashes, whereas older children more commonly sustained C-spine injuries during sports activities. Two-thirds of our patients showed neurologic deficits, and the overall mortality was 28%.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study were similar to several previous reports, underscoring a low incidence (1.2%) and age-related characteristics. Younger children had a predilection for injuries of the upper cervical spine, whereas children in the older age group sustained significantly more injuries of the lower cervical spine. Spinal cord injuries without radiographic abnormalities were only seen in the younger age group. Despite the low incidence of cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients, increased efforts at prevention are demanded because mortality rate (27%) and incidence of neurologic deficits (66%) were dreadfully high in our series.

Combined high cervical spine and brain stem injuries: a complex and devastating injury in children

BACKGROUND

In young children, high cervical spine injuries (HCSI) can result in inaugural reversible, cardiac arrest or apnea. We noted in children sustaining such injuries an unusual incidence of associated brain stem injuries and defined a special pattern of combined lesions.

METHODS

Children with HSCI surviving inaugural cardiac arrest/apnea were selected for a retrospective analysis of a trauma data bank. Epidemiologic, clinical, and radiological characteristics, and outcome were reviewed and compared with those of the rest of the trauma population with severe neurologic injuries (defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale < 8).

RESULTS

Thirteen children with HCSI above the C3 spinal level and inaugural cardiac arrest/apnea were identified and compared with 819 severely head injured children without HSCI. Mean age was 4.7 +/- 2.9 years, and median Glasgow Coma Scale was 3 (3-6) after resuscitation. Initial standard x-ray views missed spine injuries in 6 patients. Spiral computed tomographic (CT) scan showed cervical fracture-dislocations associated with diffuse brain lesions and brain stem injury in all patients. Children with combined lesions had more frequent severe facial and skull base fractures compared with the rest of the population. They also were younger and sustained more frequent severe distracting injury to the neck than the rest of the population. Mortality rate (69%) was 2.6-fold higher than that observed in children without HCSI. In survivors, none demonstrated spinal cord injury resulting in persistent peripheral neurologic deficits, but only one achieved a good recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined HCSI and brain stem injuries must be suspected in young children sustaining a severe distracting injury to the craniocervical junction. Early recognition of these catastrophic injuries by systematic spiral cervical spine and brain stem computed tomographic scan evaluation is mandatory.

Redislocation in a halo vest of an atlanto-occipital dislocation in a child: recommendations for treatment

STUDY DESIGN

A case of a child with a traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD), with unexpected secondary redislocation in a halo vest is presented. An extensive literature review was performed.

OBJECTIVES

To show the difficulties in diagnosing AOD, to emphasize its intrinsic instability, and to make recommendations for treatment of this condition.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

AOD is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose. Because of the high neurologic morbidity, this injury often results in death. Different diagnostic approaches have been evaluated throughout the literature. Also, there are different opinions on how to treat AOD. There is no large trial that compares conservative treatment with surgery.

METHODS

A 4-year-old child with a longitudinal distraction of the head is described. Because of his tenuous medical condition, initial treatment was in a halo vest. However, redislocation occurred inside the vest, so surgical stabilization was performed as soon as the patient's condition allowed.

RESULTS

To diagnose AOD, different measuring techniques can be applied on a lateral cervical spine radiograph. Using a combination of these tools, the sensitivity of the examination can be increased. There are 3 types of dislocation. Type II, which is a longitudinal distraction, is most unstable. Once confirmed, AOD should be immobilized. This can temporarily be performed with a halo-frame, but our case shows that this does not necessarily provide a stable situation, and early surgical reconstruction should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

AOD can be an extremely unstable lesion and is difficult to diagnose. Although initial treatment in a halo vest is recommended, redislocation can occur even in the vest. We recommend urgent surgical stabilization.

Tectorial Membrane Injuries in Children

We report three cases of tectorial membrane injury in children. An increased interspinous ratio was identified on cervical spine radiographs. The tectorial membrane injuries were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. The three children were restrained passengers in high-speed motor vehicle accidents, and all sustained polytrauma. Two children with partial tears of the tectorial membrane were immobilized in a halo, and one with a longitudinal tear of the tectorial membrane had an occiput-to-C2 fusion.

Atlanto-occipital dislocation: four case reports of survival in adults and review of the literature

Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is a rare cervical spine injury and in most cases fatal. Consequently, relatively few case reports of adult patients surviving this injury appeared in the literature. We retrospectively report four patients who survived AOD injury and were treated at our institution. A young man fell from height and a woman was injured in a traffic accident. Both patients survived the injury but died later in the hospital. The third patient had a motorcycle accident and survived with incomplete paraplegia. The last patient, a man involved in a working accident, survived without neurological deficit of the upper extremities. Rigid posterior fixation and complete reduction of the dislocation were applied in last two cases using Cervifix together with a cancellous bone grafting. Previously reported cases of patients surviving AOD are reviewed, and clinical features and operative stabilisation procedures are discussed.

Effect of helmet wear on the incidence of head/face and cervical spine injuries in young skiers and snowboarders

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether helmets increase the incidence and/or severity of cervical spine injury; decrease the incidence of head injury; and/or increase the incidence of collisions (as a reflection of adverse effects on peripheral vision and/or auditory acuity) among young skiers and snowboarders.

METHODS

During one ski season (1998-99) at a world class ski resort, all young skiers and snowboarders (<13 years of age) presenting with head, face, or neck injury to the one central medical facility at the base of the mountain were identified. On presentation to the clinic, subjects or their parents completed a questionnaire reviewing their use of helmets and circumstances surrounding the injury event. Physicians documented the site and severity of injury, investigations, and disposition of each patient. Concurrently, counts were made at the entry to the ski area of the number of skiers and snowboarders wearing helmets.

RESULTS

Seventy children were evaluated at the clinic following ski/snowboard related head, neck, and face injuries. Fourteen did not require investigation or treatment. Of the remaining 56, 17 (30%) were wearing helmets and 39 (70%) were not. No serious neck injury occurred in either group. Using helmet-use data from the hill, among those under 13 years of age, failure to wear a helmet increased the risk of head, neck, or face injury (relative risk (RR) 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23 to 4.12). When corrected for activity, RR was 1.77 and 95% CI 0.98 to 3.19. There was no significant difference in the odds ratio for collisions. The two groups may have been different in terms of various relevant characteristics not evaluated. No separate analysis of catastrophic injuries was possible.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that, in skiers and snowboarders under 13 years of age, helmet use does not increase the incidence of cervical spine injury and does reduce the incidence of head injury requiring investigation and/or treatment.