Distraction Injury of the Thoracic Spine With Spinal Cord Transection and Vascular Injury in a 5-Week-Old Infant Boy: A Case of Child Physical Abuse

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2017 Mar;33(3):192-197. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000000471.

Abstract

Distraction injury of the spine with spinal cord transection and adjacent vascular injury is rarely described in the setting of child physical abuse. We report a 5-week-old infant boy who sustained these injuries after an abusive event. The clinical presentation, imaging findings, and recommended evaluation modalities are discussed. An overview of pediatric spinal column and vascular injuries secondary to physical abuse is given.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child Abuse
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Physical Abuse
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / etiology*
  • Spinal Injuries / etiology*
  • Vascular System Injuries / etiology*