Advances in Minimally Invasive Techniques in Pediatric Orthopedics: Percutaneous Spine Fracture Fixation

Abstract

Pediatric spine trauma presents unique management challenges. These injuries are often the result of high-energy mechanisms and are associated with other serious injuries that can complicate surgical and nonsurgical approaches. The pediatric population presents a host of challenges related to patient compliance, healing challenges, and patient tolerance of therapy. Percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation, temporary fixation without fusion, continues to expand in its role of pediatric spine fracture treatment. Compared with open instrumentation and fusion, this technique addresses many of the previously mentioned challenges. Additional study is needed to evaluate the clinical utility of this approach in pediatric spinal fractures.

Keywords: Fracture; Fusionless instrumentation; Internal brace; Pediatric; Percutaneous pedicle screw; Spine; Trauma.