Spinal cord injury in children injured inside a car in road traffic accidents

Maksumov Alexander Alisherovich, Iskhakov Olimdzhan Sadykovich, Meshcheryakov Saemon Vladimirovich

Road traffic accidents occupy one of the leading positions in injury and death rates among children and remain one of the main causes of spinal and spinal cord injuries in children. Injuries of the spinal column, accompanied by spinal cord injury, can lead to irreversible consequences, gross neurological deficit, which significantly affects the quality of life of a child and his family. The severity and nature of the damage is determined by many factors, such as age, location in the vehicle, type of child’s restraint and seat belts, as well as their correct use. Driving safety and observance of traffic rules, car type and speed at the moment of accident are of great importance. Favorable prognosis in terms of recovery and the child’s quality of life depend on some aspects, such as correctly performed prehospital measures, speed of transportation to the appropriate medical institution for specialized care, injury nature, child's age, type and sequence of surgical intervention performed, timely started rehabilitation measures, and many other factors.

Keywords:road traffic injuries, spine, spinal cord, seat belt, child restraint, combined damage, child injury.