Spinal Trauma in the Pediatric Polytrauma Patient.

Pediatric spine trauma, although relatively uncommon, encompasses several spinal injuries that may be associated with substantial neurologic injury and multiple traumatic injuries. Spinal injuries may have considerable lifelong effects on pediatric patients; therefore, early diagnosis and management of spinal injuries in pediatric patients is imperative to ensure optimal outcomes. Anatomic features unique to the pediatric spine predispose pediatric patients to injury patterns that are not frequently observed in adults. Careful assessment of the injury pattern and the associated anatomy aids in selection of the optimal treatment method for pediatric patients with a spinal injury.