Operative Treatment of Severe Cervical Spine Injuries Sustained During Youth Sports: Experience from a Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center over a 15 Year Period

Background: Sports-related cervical spine injuries (CSI) are devastating traumas that can result in permanent disability and death. However, there is a paucity of literature on catastrophic CSI sustained in young athletes who require surgical intervention. The objectives of this study were to review injury characteristics, management, and outcomes in pediatric patients who sustained an operative CSI during youth sports. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients treated at a Level 1 pediatric trauma center for CSI (2004-2019). Children <18 years old who sustained a sports-related CSI which required operative treatment were …