NEW METHODS IN THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF NECK INJURIES IN CHILDREN

Аннотация

Neck injuries in children, particularly those involving the cervical spine, present significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. These injuries can range from minor sprains to life-threatening fractures or dislocations, potentially leading to long-term disabilities if not managed appropriately. Advances in surgical techniques over the past few decades have significantly improved the outcomes for pediatric cervical spine injuries, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing recovery. This article reviews the new methods in the surgical treatment of neck injuries in children, focusing on innovative approaches to surgery, including minimally invasive techniques, advanced imaging, and the role of biologic materials in promoting healing. By synthesizing the latest research, this paper highlights how these emerging methods are transforming the management of pediatric neck injuries and improving the overall prognosisfor affected children. Keywords: Pediatric cervical spine injury, neck injuries in children, minimally invasive surgery, pediatricspine surgery, advanced imaging, biologicmaterials INTRODUCTION: Neck injuries in children, particularly those involving the cervical spine, represent a complex and significant clinical challenge. The pediatric cervical spine is uniquely different from that of adults in both anatomy and biomechanics. While the cervical spine in children is more flexible due to increased ligamentous laxity and incomplete vertebral ossification, it also poses distinct risks and injury patterns. The pediatric cervical spine’s increased pliability can lead to a different spectrum of injuries, such as subluxations, dislocations, and ligamentous injuries, that are not commonly seen in adults. Moreover, children are more likely to sustain injuries at the upper cervical levels (C1–C2) due to their large head-to-body ratio and relatively weaker neck muscles. This anatomical difference further complicates the management of pediatric cervical spine injuries, requiring specialized techniques for diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment. Pediatric neck injuries can result from a variety of mechanisms, including motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, falls, or even non-accidental trauma. With children often engaging in high-energy activities, especially during adolescence, the incidence of cervical spine injuries has been rising, particularly in the context of contact sports. The high morbidity associated with these injuries—ranging from complete paralysis to long-term disability—emphasizes theneed for rapid diagnosis and timelyintervention. The approach to treating neck injuries in children has evolved over the past few decades, with significant advancements in surgical techniques and technologies. Historically, children with cervical spine injuries often underwent extensive open surgeries, which involved significant https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue4,2025 614 dissection of soft tissues and a prolonged recovery period. Such traditional methods, while effective, carried substantial risks, including infection, blood loss, and longer hospital stays, which are particularly concerning when treating children who have unique developmental needs. Recent innovations in surgical techniques have greatly improved outcomes for pediatric patients with cervical spine injuries. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has emerged as a key advancement in the management of pediatric cervical spine trauma. This technique involves smaller incisions, reduced dissection, and less trauma to the surrounding soft tissues, thus promoting faster healing, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays. The application of MIS in pediatric spine surgery has proven to be effective in addressing both bony and soft tissue injuries in the cervical region, offering a less invasive option for children who may otherwise face the risksassociated with traditional open procedures. Additionally, the integration of advanced imaging techniques has played a crucial role in improving the accuracy of surgical planning and intraoperative decision-making. Intraoperative navigation and 3D imaging have allowed for precise screw placements and better alignment of the spine, leading to enhanced surgical outcomes. These technologies provide real-time feedback to the surgeon, improving the precision of spinal instrumentation and reducing the likelihood of complications, suchas malalignment or hardware failure. Anothersignificant advancement in the surgical treatment of pediatric neck injuries involves the use of biologic materials, including bone grafts, growth factors, and synthetic substitutes. These materials play a crucial role in promoting healing and spinal fusion, especially in pediatric patients, whose growing bones require careful attention during the surgical process. The application of biologic adjuncts has enabled faster and more reliable bone regeneration, resulting in improved fusion rates and reduced recovery times. While