Pediatric Cervical Spine Surgery

Overview

Pediatric cervical spine surgery is a treatment option for children who have cervical spine injuries or abnormalities. Cervical spine injuries may occur in birth trauma, motor accidents or other trauma. Cervical spine abnormalities may occur when bone abnormalities present at birth (congenital) compress the skull on the brainstem or upper cervical spinal cord. This compression may cause abnormal development or spine destabilization. Pediatric cervical spine abnormalities are uncommon, but often occur in children who have Down syndrome, various forms of dwarfism, Klippel-Feil syndrome or bone disorders.

In pediatric cervical spine surgery, a surgeon removes the bony structures or abnormalities pressing on your child's brainstem or spinal cord. Surgery may help to prevent long-term loss of neurological function, deformity and chronic pain.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Team approach. At Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, doctors trained in treating children who have brain and nervous system conditions (pediatric neurosurgeons and pediatric neurology), musculoskeletal conditions (pediatric orthopedic surgery) and other medical conditions (pediatrics) and doctors trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation work together to evaluate pediatric cervical spine abnormalities and provide the most appropriate treatment for your child. Staff cares for children requiring hospitalization in the Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
• Experience. Doctors at Mayo Clinic have experience in treating rare cervical spine abnormalities and other neurological conditions in children. Doctors and surgeons provide the most current treatment options for children, including minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery.
• Technology. Mayo Clinic doctors and surgeons use the latest technology during pediatric cervical spine surgery, including detailed intraoperative image guidance.
• Research. Mayo Clinic researchers conduct studies to determine the most appropriate evaluation and treatment approaches for pediatric cervical spine abnormalities.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics.