Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse 5 years data on incidence of mechanism of injury, pattern of injury and other variables of pediatric spine injuries at a tertiary care centre in India. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, a total of 78 patients were identified over 5 years period. Patients were divided into 3 age groups, 0-9, 10-14 and 15-18 years. Results: There were 13 patients in 0-9 year, 15 in 10-14 year and 50 in 15-18 year age groups.The mean age was 12 ± 2.5 years (range 3 to 18 years). Incidence of spine injury increased
with age. Boys were 4.5 times more injured compared to girls. Fall from height was most common mechanism of injury (45%), followed by road traffic accidents (35%). Cervical spine was most commonly involved spinal segment. Fractures with subluxation was most common pattern of injury, observed in 49% patients, followed by fractures 22%. Incidence of pure subluxation and spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) was equally documented, 13% patients in each. Younger children more likely had incomplete spinal cord injury. Forty two percent patients were managed surgically by various decompression and stabilization procedures. At the time of discharge, 9% patients had one to two grades improvement in their neurological status. Conclusion: Our findings suggest predominant involvement of cervical spine. The incidence of SCIWORA was similar to other studies. Complication rates were higher in polytrauma and in complete spinal cord injury patients. Young children had good recovery rate compared to older children.

Keywords: Pediatric; Spine Injury; SCIWORA.