Introduction

Spinal problems faced by children are very different from those faced by adults. Degenerative problems from years of wear and tear, which are routine in adults, are rarely the cause of problems in the pediatric population. In contrast, children develop spinal problems due to congenital defects, underlying genetic syndromes, tumors of the spine, and trauma. Because the issues are very different from adults, and because many of the children have associated medical problems, care at a tertiary pediatric facility like Children's Hospital is often required.

Congenital Defects

A child may suffer from a range of congenital spinal defects, including abnormalities of both the spinal cord and vertebral column(the bony elements of the spine). Vertebral column problems include fused vertebrae, absent vertebrae, and joint abnormalities which cause instability to the spine and places the spinal cord at significant risk of injury. Because a child's spine must continue to grow for many years, repair of these bony defects requires the delicate balance of care offered by specialists in the pediatric spine. Abnormalities of the spinal cord itself frequently fall into the realm of tethered spinal cords.

Spine Tumors

Tumors of the spine and spinal cord and relatively rare in children, but when they strike your child, care at a specialized facility is crucial. The tumors may arise from the spine itself, or spread from other areas. In both cases they can present with pain and neurologic dysfunction in the arms and/or legs. Intramedullary tumors are those that arise within the spinal cord itself. Most often these tumors are ependymomas or astrocytomas, and they can be either solid masses alone or with large fluid collections (called a syrinx) within the spinal cord. Extensive or complete removal is often possible. In both cases, the combined care of neurosurgeons and oncologists can significantly increase the chance of curing the tumor without compromise neurologic function.

Spine Trauma

The incidence of injuries to the spine of adults and children has been lessened by safer automobiles and child safety restraints. Unfortunately, when they occur they can be tragic, with the potential for permanent paralysis of the arms and legs. It has been found that after an accident many secondary changes can occur in the spinal cord which compound the original injury. Medical and surgical treatment at a top facility like Children's Hospital can help reduce these injuries and give your child a better chance for recovery.

At Children's Hospital we offer the combined services of neurosurgeons, orthopedists, pediatricians, radiologists, anesthesiologists, oncologists, nurses and therapists, with years of experience in dealing with pediatric spine problems. We offer the latest techniques and equipment, and the resources to deal with the long term problems these children may have.

If you have any questions, please contact us for more information.