title: Lumbar vertebral fractures in children: four cases and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vertebral fractures and severe injuries to the spine cord in children are rare and account for a small proportion of all childhood injuries. Pediatric vertebral and spinal cord injuries have unique characteristics depending on their age. Young children sustain upper cervical spine injuries, which are more serious injuries and have a higher mortality rate. Older children have lower spine injuries and thoracoabdominal injuries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to present the epidemiology and potential complications from lumbar spine fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  There were 4 cases of older children who sustained lumbar vertebral fractures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fractures of the lumbar spine in children, although relatively rare, are important to understand. Patterns of injury with vertebral and spinal cord injuries in children vary from those of adults. The biologic differences of children make differences in fracture patterns and alter the management necessary for successful treatment. Errors in management can have adverse effects on these injuries.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA. Antonio.muniz2050@gmail.com
authors.forename: Antonio E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Muñiz
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liner
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D001915:Braces; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003288:Contusions / Q000209:etiology; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D008775:Methylprednisolone