Keywords

pediatrics, spinal cord injury

 

Authors

  1. Jarosz, Dorothy A. RN, BSN

Abstract

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in the pediatric population present a unique challenge to the caregiver in that both the physical injury and the growth and development issues need to be addressed simultaneously. Different types of injuries are anticipated than those seen in adults because of the developmental phases of the pediatric spinal cord. This article will review the differences between the pediatric and adult spinal cords, growth and development, and the types of injuries incurred by this population, followed by a case presentation.