Overview

Pediatric cervical spine surgery is a treatment option for children who have injuries or abnormalities in the neck portion of the spine (cervical spine).

Cervical spine disorders may be present at birth (congenital) or result from a car or motorcycle accident or other injury. Cervical spine abnormalities are rare, occurring most often in children who have Down syndrome, Klippel-Feil syndrome or bone disorders.

Cervical spine injuries or abnormalities can cause bony structures to press the skull against the brainstem or upper part of the spinal cord. This compression may cause spinal cord problems or abnormal brain development. Surgery relieving this compression can help prevent deformity, chronic pain and loss of nerve function.