Acute Progressive Pediatric Post-Traumatic Kyphotic Deformity

Abstract

Cervical kyphosis is a rare entity with challenging management due to the limitations of pediatric age, along with a growing spine. The pathogenesis is made up of a large group of congenital, syndromic and acquired deformities after posterior element deterioration or as a result of previous trauma or surgery. In rare progressive cases, kyphotic deformities may result in severe “chin-on-chest” deformities with severe limitations. The pathogenesis of progression to severe kyphotic deformity after minor hyperflexion trauma is not clear without an obvious MR pathology; it is most likely multifactorial. The authors present the case of a six-month progression of a pediatric cervical kyphotic deformity caused by a cervical spine hyperflexion injury, and an MR evaluation without the pathology of disc or major ligaments. Surgical therapy with a posterior fixation and fusion, together with the preservation of the anterior growing zones of the cervical spine, are potentially beneficial strategies to achieve an excellent curve correction and an optimal long-term clinical outcome in this age group.