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Topic:

Early Onset Scoliosis

Issue:

Spine

Category:

​

Title:

Outcomes of Follow-up Imaging After Pediatric Spinal Trauma Confirmed With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Author:

Sirén, Aapo MD; Syvänen, Johanna MD, PhD; Nyman, Mikko MD, PhD; Mattila, Kimmo MD, PhD; Hirvonen, Jussi MD, PhD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

April 2024

Reference:

44(4):p e329-e334, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002615

Level Of Evidence:

​

# of Patients:

127

Study Type:

Retrospective observational study

Location:

Single institution

Summary:

This study evaluated the diagnostic value and clinical utility of follow-up imaging in pediatric spinal trauma cases initially confirmed with MRI.

Methods:

Retrospective review of medical records and imaging data over 8 years. Included children and adolescents who underwent emergency spinal MRI followed by short-term follow-up imaging. Assessed whether follow-up imaging influenced patient management or revealed clinically significant changes.

Exclusions:

Cases lacking follow-up imaging or definitive MRI diagnosis of stable injuries were excluded.

Results:

Follow-up imaging did not alter management in any patient with presumably stable injury identified on emergency MRI. Thoracolumbar compression fractures showed no clinically significant progression in follow-up imaging. Flexion-extension radiographs added no diagnostic value in stable cervical spine injuries.

Conclusions:

Short-term follow-up imaging has limited clinical utility in children with stable spinal injuries confirmed by MRI. The findings support minimizing unnecessary imaging to reduce healthcare costs and radiation exposure.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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