R Kraus1, J-P Stahl, C Heiss, U Horas, N Dongowski, R Schnettler. 1. Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Unversitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392, Giessen, Deutschland. Ralf.Kraus@chiru.med.uni-giessen.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Only 1.5-2% of all fractures in children and adolescents are fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Treatment is most often conservative. This study compares the own experience with the recent literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 48 month period all patients with fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine, younger than 16 years were included prospectively. Of the patients 67 underwent follow-up investigations after 3-36 months. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 11.9 years. Sports (53%) and traffic (28%) accidents were most frequent. Fractures most often appeared in the mid-thoracic (47%) and thoracolumbar spine (41%). Operative treatment was performed in 9 cases (10.4%). Secondary loss of alignment was not observed neither after conservative nor operative treatment. Neurological deficits (n=2) did not completely improve. CONCLUSIONS: Most fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine heal fast and without any sequelae. Unstable fractures of type B and C (exclusively occurring as a result of traffic accidents) need operative stabilization as in adults.
BACKGROUND: Only 1.5-2% of all fractures in children and adolescents are fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Treatment is most often conservative. This study compares the own experience with the recent literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 48 month period all patients with fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine, younger than 16 years were included prospectively. Of the patients 67 underwent follow-up investigations after 3-36 months. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 11.9 years. Sports (53%) and traffic (28%) accidents were most frequent. Fractures most often appeared in the mid-thoracic (47%) and thoracolumbar spine (41%). Operative treatment was performed in 9 cases (10.4%). Secondary loss of alignment was not observed neither after conservative nor operative treatment. Neurological deficits (n=2) did not completely improve. CONCLUSIONS: Most fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine heal fast and without any sequelae. Unstable fractures of type B and C (exclusively occurring as a result of traffic accidents) need operative stabilization as in adults.