What you can expect

Before the procedure

Your child will be put under general anesthesia before and during any pediatric spine procedure. Parents can sometimes be present for the initiation of anesthesia with the OK of the anesthesiologist.

If prior to surgery your child has instability that could be harmful, he or she will be placed in a device that keeps the spine stable, such as a cervical collar or halo ring. Cervical collars and other braces generally don't require anesthesia or an operating room for placement, but halo rings do.

During the procedure

The most appropriate surgical approach depends on the location of the bone injury or abnormality. The surgeon may recommend approaching the spinal cord or brainstem:

• Through the mouth (transoral approach). A flexible tube with a camera at the tip (endoscope) may be used.
• Through an incision in the neck, either in the front or back.
• Through an incision in the back.

During the procedure, the surgeon will remove bony structures or small pieces of bone that are pressing on your child's brainstem or spinal cord.

If your child's spine is unstable, the surgeon may insert plates, screws or bone grafts to help stabilize it. Bone grafts may come from another part of your child's body or from donated bone.

After the procedure

After surgery, your child will generally stay in the recovery area until he or she wakens from the anesthesia. In most cases, you'll be able to see your child in the recovery room.

The length of your child's hospital stay will depend on the type of surgical procedure, but generally lasts between three and five days after pediatric cervical spine surgery.

Most children can return to school within a week or two, and begin participating in physical education at about six weeks. Children can return to all of their activities as soon as a fusion can be seen on postoperative imaging tests.

Children don't usually need physical or occupational therapy after surgery.