Pediatric Spine Trauma Research Articles

Imaging Outcomes of MRI After CT in Pediatric Spinal Trauma: A Single-center Experience.

Imaging has an essential role in the diagnostic workup of suspected pediatric spinal trauma. The most suitable imaging method is still being debated and needs to be considered regarding the patient, injury, and local resources. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often performed after computed tomography (CT) in case of neurological symptoms or suspected ligamentous disruption. However, it is unclear if the MRI yields significant additional value after CT if the spinal cord injury is not suspected and if the MRI could be used as the sole imaging modality in an emergency department. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of emergency MRI after CT in suspected spinal trauma in children and adolescents. The imaging data and medical records of patients 17 years of age and younger with emergency spinal CT and MRI over 8 years were retrospectively reviewed. The primary study outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of the 2 imaging modalities in detecting surgically treated spinal injuries. The study population consisted of 100 patients. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated all 7 surgically treated injuries, although one of the injuries was initially missed with CT. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed more injuries, but none of the injuries visible on CT required surgical fixation. Magnetic resonance imaging was able to exclude unstable injuries in patients who had highly suspicious or unequivocal findings on CT. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were both highly accurate in detecting unstable pediatric spinal injuries requiring surgical treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging seems not to reveal additional unstable injuries after adequately interpreted spinal CT. Level III-retrospective observational study.

Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Classify Pediatric Thoracolumbar Spine Injuries.

Objective This study aimed to assess the reliability and reproducibility of the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System by using virtual reality (VR). We hypothesized that VR is a highly reliable and reproducible method to classify traumatic spine injuries. Methods VR 3D models were created from CT scans of 26 pediatric patients with thoracolumbar spine injuries. Seven orthopedic trainees were educated on the VR platform and AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System. Classifications were summarized by primary class and subclass for both rater readings performed two weeks apart with image order randomized. Intra-observer reproducibility was quantified by Fleiss's kappa (kF) for primary classifications and Krippendorff's alpha (aK) for subclassifications along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each rater and across all raters. Inter-observer reliability was quantified by kFfor primary classifications and aKfor subclassifications along with 95% CIs across all raters for the first read, the second read, and all reads combined. The interpretations were as follows: 0-0.2: slight; 0.2-0.4: fair; 0.4-0.6: moderate; 0.6-0.8: substantial; and >0.8: almost perfect agreement. Results A total of 364 classifications were submitted by seven raters. Intra-observer reproducibility ranged from moderate (kF=0.55) to almost perfect (kF=0.94) for primary classifications and from substantial (aK=0.68) to almost perfect (aK=0.91) for subclassifications. Reproducibility was substantial across all raters for the primary class (kF=0.71; 95% CI=0.61-9.82) and subclass (aK=0.79; 95% CI=0.69-0.86). Inter-observer reliability was substantial (kF=0.63; 95% CI=0.57-0.69) for the first read, moderate (kF=0.58; 95% CI=0.52-0.64) for the second read, and substantial (kF=0.61; 95% CI=0.56-0.65) for all reads for primary classifications. For subclassifications, inter-observer reliability was substantial (aK=0.74; 95% CI=0.58-0.83) for the first read, second read (aK=0.70; 95% CI=0.53-0.80), and all reads (aK=0.72; 95% CI=0.60-0.79). Conclusions Based on our findings, VR is a reliable and reproducible method for the classification of pediatric spine trauma, besides its ability to function as an educational tool for trainees. Further research is needed to evaluate its application for other spine conditions.

Evaluation of traumatic spinal injuries: a pediatric perspective.

The aim of the present study is to provide information about pediatric patients with spinal trauma. A single-center retrospective chart review was carried out. Children who arrived at the pediatric emergency department due to trauma and those with spinal pathology confirmed by radiological assessment were included. Demographics, mechanisms of trauma, clinical findings, radiological investigations, applied treatments, hospital stay and prognosis were recorded. A total of 105 patients [59 (56.2%) boys; mean age: 12.9 ± 3.8years (mean ± SD)] were included. The most common age group was that of 14-18years (58.1%). The three most common trauma mechanisms were road traffic collisions (RTCs) (60.0%), falls (32.4%), and diving into water (2.9%). A fracture of the spine was detected in 97.1% patients, vertebral dislocation in 10.7%, and spinal cord injury in 16.3%. Of the patients, 36.9% were admitted to the ward and 18.4% to the pediatric intensive care unit; 17.1% were discharged with severe complications and 2.9% cases resulted in death. While 34.3% of the patients had a clinically isolated spine injury, the remaining cases entailed an injury to at least one other body part; the most common associated injuries were to the head (39.8%), abdomen (36.1%), and external areas (28.0%). Spinal trauma was found to have occurred mostly in adolescent males, and the majority of those cases were due to RTCs. Data on the incidence and demographic factors of pediatric spinal trauma are crucial in furthering preventive measures, allowing for the identification of at-risk populations and treatment modalities.

Epidemiology of pediatric spinal trauma with neurological deficits in Catalonia: a 36-year experience

Epidemiology of pediatric spinal trauma with neurological deficits in Catalonia: a 36-year experience

Surgical and Medical Management of Pediatric Spine Trauma.

Pediatric spine trauma is rare but presents unique challenges to clinical management. Special considerations include but are not limited to the need to minimize ionizing radiation in this patient population, anatomic immaturity, physiologic variants, and injuries seen only in the pediatric population. Here we review the epidemiology of pediatric spine trauma, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common injuries and discuss specific medical and surgical strategies for treatment.

Clinical outcome following magnetic resonance imaging as first-line imaging in low-impact pediatric spine trauma: a single-center retrospective observational study

BackgroundPediatric spinal trauma is rare, but the consequences of a missed injury can be devastating. Medical imaging is often needed in addition to physical examination. Conventional radiographs are widely recommended, but their negative predictive value is limited. Computed tomography (CT) is more sensitive but has a higher radiation dose. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has superior soft tissue contrast and lacks ionizing radiation, but it is more expensive and time-consuming. Thus, the debate regarding the most suitable imaging method is still ongoing.ObjectiveThis study examined the ability of MRI to exclude injuries requiring surgical treatment as a first-line imaging method in low-impact pediatric spine trauma.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records and imaging data of children (under 18 years old) who had suspected spinal trauma and were scanned using MRI in our emergency radiology department over a period of 8 years. We assessed the ability of MRI to detect unstable injuries by searching for later occurrences of primarily missed injuries requiring surgery.ResultsOf 396 patients (median age 12 years, range 0–17), 114 (29%) had MRI findings suggesting an acute injury. Bony injuries were detected in 78 patients (20%) and ligamentous or other soft tissue injuries in 82 patients (21%). In the subgroup of 376 patients (median age 12 years, range 0–17) with at least 6 months of clinical follow-up, no missed injuries demanding surgical intervention or immobilization occurred after spinal MRI as first-line imaging. No adverse events related to MRI or anesthesia occurred.ConclusionMRI can detect injuries requiring surgical treatment as a first-line imaging method in suspected low-impact pediatric spinal trauma and is safe to use in this selected population.Graphical abstract

Pediatric Spinal Trauma at a Single Level 1 Trauma Center: Review of 62 Cases.

Traumatic spinal injuries in children are uncommon and result in different patterns of injuries due to the anatomical characteristics of children's spines. However, there are only a few epidemiological studies of traumatic spinal injury in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of traumatic spinal injury in children. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of pediatric patients (age < 18 years) with traumatic spinal injury who were treated at a level 1 trauma center between January 2017 and December 2021. We divided them into three groups according to age and analyzed demographics, injury mechanism, level of injury, and injury pattern. A total of 62 patients (255 fractures) were included, and the mean age was 13.8 ± 3.2 years. There were 5 patients (22 fractures) in group I (0-9 years), 24 patients (82 fractures) in group II (10-14 years), and 33 patients (151 fractures) in group III (15-17 years). Both the Injury Severity Score and the Revised Trauma Score were highest in group I, but there was no statistical difference between the age groups. Fall from height was the most common injury mechanism, of which 63% were suicide attempts. The level of spinal injury was different in each age group, T10-L2 injury being the most common. In all age groups, the number of multilevel continuous injury was larger than that of single-level injury or multilevel noncontinuous injury. Surgical intervention was required in 33.9%, and mortality was 3.2%. In our study, fall from height was the most common mechanism of injury, and there were many suicide attempts associated with mental health issues. Thoracolumbar junction injuries were predominant, and the rate of multilevel contiguous injuries was high. The support and interest of the society and families for adolescent children seem crucial in preventing spinal trauma, and image testing of the entire spine is essential when evaluating pediatric spinal injuries.

Pediatric Spine Trauma.

Pediatric spine has growth potential with incomplete ossification, and also unique biomechanics which have important implications for trauma patients. This article intends to review various aspects of pediatric spine trauma including epidemiology, anatomy and biomechanics, and clinically relevant details of each type of injury based on the location and mechanism of injury. With the appropriate but not superfluous treatment, pediatric spine trauma patients can have better chance of recovery. Therefore, as a spine surgeon, understanding the general concept for each injury subtype together with the debate and progress in the field is inevitable.

Radiation dose levels of thoracic-lumbar spine CT in pediatric trauma patients and assessment of scan parameters for dose optimization.

CT is frequently used for assessing spinal trauma in children. To establish the local diagnostic reference levels of spine CT examinations in pediatric spinal trauma patients and analyze scan parameters to enable dose optimization. In this retrospective study, we included 192 pediatric spinal trauma patients who underwent spine CT. Children were divided into two age groups: 0-10years (group 1) and 11-17years (group 2). Each group was subdivided into thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar CT groups. CT acquisition parameters (tube potential, in kilovoltage [kV]; mean tube current-time product, in milliamperes [mAs]; reference mAs; collimated slice width; tube rotation time; pitch; scan length) and radiation dose descriptors (volume CT dose index [CTDIvol] and dose-length product [DLP]) were recorded. The CTDIvol and DLP values of spine CTs obtained with different tube potential and collimated slice width values were compared for each group. CTDIvol and DLP values of thoracolumbar spine CTs in group 1 and lumbar spine CTs in group 2 were significantly lower in CTs acquired with low tube potential levels (P<0.05). CTDIvol and DLP values of thoracolumbar spine CTs in both groups and lumbar spine CTs in group 2 acquired with high collimated slice width values were significantly lower than in corresponding CTs acquired with low collimated slice width values (P<0.05). Pediatric spine CT radiation doses can be notably reduced from the manufacturers' default protocols while preserving image quality.

Paediatric spinal trauma presenting to a UK major trauma centre.

Paediatric spine trauma is uncommon and is managed differently from adults due to the anatomical differences of the paediatric spine. The paediatric spine is less ossified, with lax ligaments and a higher fulcrum in the c-spine which results in a different pattern of injuries. The aim of this study is to provide a contemporary audit of paediatric spinal trauma. A retrospective review was conducted using the Trauma and Audit Research Network database at a major trauma centre (2011-2018). All patients < 18years old with a spine injury underwent case note and radiology review. A total of 72 patients (37, 51.4% male with an average age of 13.3 (± 5.9) years old) were identified. The most common mechanism of injury was road traffic collisions (n = 39, 54.2%). The most common sporting cause was motocross accidents (n = 6, 8.3%), and a further 6 (8.3%) patients had a suspected inflicted injury. Eight patients (11.1%) sustained a spinal cord injury. Twenty-seven (37.5%) patients underwent surgical intervention to treat their spinal injury. This series demonstrates the profile of injury mechanisms causing paediatric spinal injuries. Paediatric spine injuries continue to have the potential for lifelong disability and require careful, specialist management. This series also highlights certain causes such as motocross accidents and suspected inflicted injury which are more frequent than expected and raise potential public health concerns.

Superiority of thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS) over AOSpine thoracolumbar spine injury classification for the surgical management decision of traumatic spine injury in the pediatric population.

Thoracolumbar fractures are the most common kind of spine injury in children. Several types of spine injury can occur, and for this reason, treatment algorithms have been put in place for the management of these patients. At present, the thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score system (TLICS) and the thoracolumbar AOSpine injury score (AOSpine score) aimed at providing treatment recommendations. We aimed to assess the reliability, in children, of the TLICS scoring and AOSpine scoring systems, and to define the superiority of one of the methods of scoring, to spread its use in routine clinical management in the pediatric spine trauma. A retrospective chart review of consecutive children admitted to a Level 1 trauma center for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures, between 2006 and 2019, was performed. We compared the management we performed in clinical practice in children with spine trauma, to the decisional algorithms based on the TLICS and AOSpine scores. According to these scores, surgical treatment should be performed when the TLICS score ≥ 5 and the AOSpine score > 5; and surgical or conservative treatment was considered reasonable when the TLICS score = 4 and the AOSpine score = 4 or 5. Surgical indications were based on the clinical status, the anatomy of the fracture, and the risk of sagittal imbalance of the growing spine. Fifty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. We demonstrated that both the AOSpine score and the TLICS scores had a significant correlation for surgical management decision of spine trauma (p < 0.0001). We found a high concordance between surgical decision making in the pediatric clinical practice and the TLICS score. In our pediatric cohort, there were significantly more patients with TLICS ≥ 5 (n = 47, 87%) than with AOSpine score > 5 (n = 26, 46%, p < 0.0001). There were significantly more patients with TLICS ≥ 4 (n = 53, 98%), than with AOSpine score ≥ 4 (n = 42, 77%, p = 0.001). ConclusionsThe TLICS score was significantly more appropriate than the AOSpine score, for the surgical treatment decision in children, especially when considering the future risk of sagittal imbalance.

Pediatric Spine Trauma: A Brief Review.

Pediatric spinal trauma is a broad topic with nuances specific to each anatomic region of the spinal column. The purpose of this report is to provide a brief review highlighting the most important and common clinical issues regarding the diagnosis and management of pediatric spine trauma. Detailed descriptions of imaging findings along with specific operative and nonoperative management of each fracture and dislocation type are beyond the scope of this review.

Pediatric Spinal Traumas

Introduction: Although childhood trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, the incidence of spinal trauma is significantly lower in children than in adults. Existing studies on pediatric spinal trauma (PST) largely concern cervical trauma because of its frequency of incidence. We aimed to obtain more information by examining all types of spinal trauma, and evaluating factors such as age, trauma type, injury type, and American Spinal Injury Association score and comparing them with data from the literature. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 30 pediatric trauma patients with spinal pathology confirmed by spinal imaging. Results: The mean age was 166.4 months. Mean age for each mechanism of injury was: 142.7 months for a simple fall, 149.0 months for injury involving a foreign object, 163.5 months for a fall from a height, and 181.6 months for traffic accidents. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age for different mechanisms of injury (p = 0.372). The levels of the spinal injuries were: lumbar 53.3% (16), thoracic 26.6% (8), and cervical 20.0% (6). Mean age for each level of spinal injury was 113.3 months for the cervical area, 172.2 months for the thoracic area, and 183.3 months for the lumbar area. Mean age was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.000). Discussion: PST is uncommon and the type of trauma and the spinal level affected varies with age. Cervical trauma predominates at younger ages, but adult-like traumas begin to occur with increasing age. It should be considered that the risk of developing neurological deficits is higher in pediatric patients than in adults, and the risk of multisystem injury is also high.

Correlation of Soft tissue Projection in Injured NEcks (CSPINE) - Prevertebral soft tissue measurement in paediatric cervical spine trauma

Background: In paediatric trauma, measured increase in prevertebral soft tissue thickness on a lateral cervical spine (C-spine) X-ray is interpreted as swelling, raising suspicion of C-spine injury. Defining swelling in absolute measurements is cumbersome – children’s sizes vary. Published recommendations are largely lacking in evidence. There may be potentially more consistent tools, for example, to measure soft tissue thickness as a ratio of vertebral body width. The aim of this study was to determine whether consistent, measurable prevertebral soft tissue to vertebral body width ratios exist for use as simple diagnostic tools in the assessment of swelling and injury in paediatric C-spine trauma. Patients and methods: C-spine trauma X-rays taken at a South African children’s hospital were randomly sampled. Seventy-one unintubated X-rays from 85 controls were used to identify normal ratios. The authors measured vertebral bodies and soft tissue at each level, created all possible ratios, then chose the two least variable – one for the upper and one for the lower C-spine. Twenty cases aided in determining diagnostic accuracy for C-spine injury. Results: Mean soft tissue at the second cervical vertebral level (c2) was 38% of the seventh vertebra (C7) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34–41.9%, standard error [SE]: 2.0%). Mean c6 soft tissue was 65.6% of C7 vertebra (95% CI: 61.9–69.3%, SE: 1.9%). In diagnosing C-spine injury, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve calculation gave an empirical optimal cut-point of 53.9% and 74.4% respectively. Using practical cut-offs of 55% at c2 and 75% at c6 yielded specificities of 93.8% (95% CI: 84.8–98.3%) and 81.8% (95% CI: 70.4–90.2%), with negative predictive values of 90.9% (95% CI: 81.3–96.6%) and 91.5% (95% CI: 81.3–97.2%) respectively. Conclusion: Consistent and specific ratios exist in the upper and lower paediatric C-spine. Both ratios have poor sensitivities and positive predictive values and so are poor screening tools; however, a positive result can raise suspicion of C-spine injury in high-risk individuals. This can help to motivate for further investigations such as computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which may not be easily accessible in under-resourced settings. However, further research is required to validate the diagnostic value of these ratios. Level of evidence: Level 4

Surgical Management of Pediatric Spine Trauma: 12 Years of Experience

Spine trauma management in children varies from one team to another, and to date, no clear consensus has been reached. The goal of this study was to describe the epidemiology of spine trauma in children and evaluate the timing and techniques of surgery when it was required. A retrospective review of all patients admitted to our pediatric trauma center for spine traumas that required surgical management, between 2005 and 2016, was performed. All patients were followed with clinical and radiologic examination to evaluate the quality of fusion and realignment. Seventy-three children, with a mean age of 14.1 years, were admitted. Spinal injuries were more common in the teenage group (14-18 years). The predominant etiology of spine injuries was motor vehicle collision (36%). The spinal level of injury varied according to the age group: young children presented more cervical traumas (P< 0.01), while teenagers presented more lumbar traumas. There were more fractures alone in the teenage group (P<0.005), while there were more luxations alone in the school-age group (P < 0.05). Median timing for surgical intervention in patients with neurologic deficits was 1 day. Patients with posterior wall recession >5 mm underwent surgical management quicker than patients with no posterior wall recession (P < 0.03). At follow-up, out of the 37 patients with initial neurologic deficits, 14 had improved (38%). Diskoligament maturation is an essential concept in spine traumas in children, as well as in surgical management. Surgical procedures should be carried out as soon as possible when patients present withneurologic deficits. At the thoracolumbar junction, a 2-level up-and-down fixation is recommended.

Cervical Spine Evaluation in Pediatric Trauma: A Review and an Update of Current Concepts.

The clinical presentation and diagnostic workup in pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSI) are different from adults owing to the unique anatomy and relative immaturity. The current article reviews the existing literature regarding the uniqueness of these injuries and discusses the current guidelines of radiological evaluation. A PubMed search was conducted using keywords “paediatric cervical spine injuries” or “paediatric cervical spine trauma.” Six hundred and ninety two articles were available in total. Three hundred and forty three articles were considered for the review after eliminating unrelated and duplicate articles. Further screening was performed and 67 articles (original articles and review articles only) related to pediatric CSI were finally included. All articles were reviewed for details regarding epidemiology, injury patterns, anatomic considerations, clinical, and radiological evaluation protocols. CSIs are the most common level (60%–80%) for pediatric Spinal Injuries (SI). Children suffer from atlantoaxial injuries 2.5 times more often than adults. Children's unique anatomical features (large head size and highly flexible spine) predispose them to such a peculiar presentation. The role of National Emergency X-Ray Utilization Study, United State (NEXUS) and Canadian Cervical Spine Rule criteria in excluding pediatric cervical injury is questionable but cannot be ruled out completely. The minimum radiological examination includes 2- or 3-view cervical X-rays (anteroposterior, lateral ± open-mouth odontoid views). Additional radiological evaluations, including computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are obtained in situations of abnormal physical examination, abnormal X-rays, inability to obtain adequate X-rays, or to assess cord/soft-tissue status. The clinical criteria for cervical spine injury clearance can generally be applied to children older than 2 years of age. Nevertheless, adequate caution should be exercised before applying these rules in younger children. Initial radiographic investigation should be always adequate plain radiographs of cervical spine. CT and MRI scans should only be performed in an appropriate group of pediatric patients.

An Update Review of Epidemiology, Anatomy, Classification, Management and Outcome of pediatric Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma

An Update Review of Epidemiology, Anatomy, Classification, Management and Outcome of pediatric Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma

Current Concepts in Pediatric Cervical Spine Trauma

Background:Pediatric spinal trauma is rare and challenging entity. Although cervical spine is commonly affected, it is often missed on routine imaging investigations. Therefore better understanding of growing spine and its patho-physiology is crucial.Methods:Articles related to pediatric cervical trauma were searched on Pubmed and other online research data banks. We have summarized unique anatomy of pediatric spine, investigations followed by common injury patterns, their diagnostic challenges and management.Results:Immature spine follows typical injury patterns, so thorough knowledge of its presentation should be known. Primary physicians should be able to perform initial assessment based on clinical examination and investigations for early diagnosis. High index of suspicion and strategic approach leads to early diagnosis and prevents further morbidity and mortality.Conclusion:Spinal injuries in children are rare and typical. They are often missed and can have fatal consequences. Thorough understanding of pediatric anatomy and injury patterns helps in early diagnosis.

Dissociation between preserved body structural description and impaired body image following a pediatric spinal trauma

ABSTRACTIn adult patients, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) may influence the mental Body Representation (BR). Currently, there is no evidence on the modulation of SCI on BR during early stages of cognitive development. Here, we investigated BR in a 3-year-old child with complete SCI. The patient was administered with a specific battery assessing different BR components. We found evidence for putative classical neuropsychological dissociation between a preserved topological map with impaired semantic knowledge of the body. This finding sheds new light on the impact of SCI on BR in childhood, as well as on the level of interdependence between BR’s components..

Temporary Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Stabilization Without Fusion of Adolescent Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures

Pediatric spine trauma often results from high-energy mechanisms. Despite differences in healing potential, comorbidities, and length of remaining life, treatment is frequently based on adult criteria; ligamentous injuries are fused and bony injuries are treated accordingly. In this study, we present short-term results of a select group of adolescent patients treated using percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation without fusion. An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed at a level 1 pediatric trauma center for thoracolumbar spine fractures treated by percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation. Patients were excluded if arthrodesis was performed or if instrumentation was not removed. Demographics, injury mechanism, associated injuries, fracture classification, surgical data, radiographic measures, and complications were collected. Radiographs were analyzed for sagittal and coronal wedge angles and vertebral body height ratio and statistical comparisons performed on preoperative and postoperative values. Between 2005 and 2013, 46 patients were treated surgically. Fourteen patients (5 male, 9 female) met inclusion criteria. Injury mechanisms included 8 motor vehicle collisions, 4 falls, and 2 all-terrain vehicle/motorcycle collisions. There were 8 Magerl type A injuries, 4 type B injuries, and 2 type C injuries. There was 1 incomplete spinal cord injury. Implants were removed between 5 and 12 months in 12 patients and after 12 months in 2 patients. Statistical analysis revealed significant postoperative improvement in all radiographic measures (P<0.05). There were no neurological complications, 1 superficial wound dehiscence, and 2 instrumentation failures (treated with standard removal). At last follow-up, 11 patients returned to unrestricted activities including sports. Average follow-up was 9 months after implant removal and 19.3 months after index procedure. Adolescent thoracolumbar fractures present unique challenges and treatment opportunities different from the adult patient. We present a nonconsecutive series of 14 patients temporarily stabilized with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for injuries including 3-column fracture dislocations and purely ligamentous injuries. Temporary fusionless instrumentation can provide successful management of select thoracolumbar spine injuries in pediatric trauma patients. Level IV-Retrospective case series.