COMPLICATIONS AFTER PEDIATRIC SPINAL TRAUMA

Pediatric spinal injuries are uncommon but carry potential for both acute and long-term complications. The unique anatomical and biomechanical features of the pediatric spine, including greater flexibility and growth potential, influence treatment strategies and recovery outcomes. While many vertebral in-juries can be managed conservatively, associated spinal cord syndromes such as central cord, anterior cord, Brown-Séquard, posterior cord, and cauda equina syndromes may lead to significant neurological deficits. In the short term, complications may include spinal shock, respiratory failure, hemodynamic instability, pulmonary complications, infections, and psychological distress. Long-term complications vary depending on the level and severity of injury and include persistent neurological deficits, spas-ticity, postural deformities, crankshaft phenomenon, osteoporosis, urinary tract dysfunction, and psy-chosocial effects. A multidisciplinary and long-term follow-up approach is essential for minimizing complications and improving functional outcomes in pediatric patients with spinal trauma.