Development of Normal Pediatric Spine and Congenital Spinal and Spinal Cord Disorders
摘要
The immature spine of a child, which has not undergone sufficient ossification, not only differs in basic shape from an adult spine, but can also be mistaken for abnormal findings such as fractures due to various secondary ossification centers that are not visible in adults. Also, the ligaments supporting the spine are looser than in adults, leading to hypermobility, which can result in changes in spinal alignment. This chapter aims to understand the normal shape of the pediatric spine, anatomical structures appearing during spinal ossification, and normal variations of the spine, and to facilitate the distinction between normal variations and pathological conditions of the spine. Also, it aims to focus on congenital spinal and spinal cord disorders that can commonly be seen in adult age.