A new technique for stabilization of injuries at C2-C3 in young children

作者：Hamoud Kamal^*; Abbas Janan

来源：Injury-International Journal of the Care of the Injured, 2014, 45(11): 1791-1795.

DOI：10.1016/j.injury.2014.05.027

• Cervical spine
• Paediatric trauma
• Internal stabilization
• Vicryl suture
• Biodegradable suture
• Flexion-distraction

Background: Reported surgical treatment for injuries and instabilities of the paediatric cervical spine most commonly involves posterior fusion with internal fixation, usually posterior wiring. %26lt;br%26gt;Purpose: To present a new simple technique of stabilization without fusion of the upper cervical spine of young children. %26lt;br%26gt;Study design: A technical report. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: Detailed description of the surgical procedure carried out for stabilizing an unstable flexion-distraction injury in a 23 month-old toddler, with severe head injury and pneumothorax is presented. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: A rare unstable flexion-distraction injury in the upper cervical spine of a toddler was successfully treated with a posterior Number 2 Vicryl (polyglactin 910) suture fixation, with good healing of the ligaments and endplates, without fusion. Preservation of motion was achieved without obvious instability at 63 months post-surgery. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions: In selected cases of cervical spine injuries in the young paediatric population, a limited approach to the injured spinal segments and simple stabilization using suitable degradable sutures, can provide sufficient stability until healing occurs. Advantages: fusion is avoided, growth disturbances are prevented and spinal motion maintained.

• 出版日期2014-11