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

Abstract

Reported surgical treatment for injuries and instabilities of the paediatric cervical spine most commonly involves posterior fusion with internal fixation, usually posterior wiring. To present a new simple technique of stabilization without fusion of the upper cervical spine of young children. A technical report. 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. 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. 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. fusion is avoided, growth disturbances are prevented and spinal motion maintained.