01-05-2016 | Case Report
Management of a 3-year-old with an unstable C6–C7 diastasis without quadriplegia
Published in: European Spine Journal | Special Issue 1/2016
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Background
Caring for pediatric spine trauma patients places spine surgeons in situations that require unique solutions for complex problems. Recent case reports have highlighted a specific injury pattern to the lower cervical spine in very young children that is frequently associated with complete spinal cord injury.
Methods
This report describes the presentation and treatment of a C6–C7 dislocation in a 3-year-old patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury. The highly unstable cervical injury and the need to prevent neurologic decline added complexity to the case.
Results
A multi-surgeon team allowed for ample manpower to position the patient; with individuals with the requisite training and experience to safely move a patient with a highly unstable cervical spine. Initial closed reduction under close neurophysiologic monitoring, posterior fusion and immediate anterior stabilization lead to a successful patient outcome with preserved neurologic function. A traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leak, while a concern early on during the procedure, resolved without direct dural repair and did not complicate the patient’s fusion healing. Additional anterior stabilization and fusion allowed long-term stability with bone healing that may not be achievable with posterior fixation and/or soft tissue healing alone.
Conclusions
Familiarity with the challenges and solutions presented in the case may be useful to surgeons who could face a similar challenge in the future.