A new index for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relation between a new index we created for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid, and the clinical outcome. METHODS: We devised a radiographic separation index (RSI), to evaluate the displacement of the ulnar styloid. We used this index in 44 patients (28 men and 16 women; mean age: 43.2 years; range: 24-64 years) with distal radius fractures involving the the ulnar styloid. In all cases, the distal radius fracture was fixed using a volar locking plate. The styloid fracture was treated conservatively. The relation between the RSI value and clinical results was then investigated. RESULTS: In the 44 patients there were clinically 38 excellent, 4 good, and 2 moderate results. RSI ratios ranged from 2% to 11%. The patients with an excellent result had an RSI ratio of less than 5%. We found a significant correlation between the RSI ratio values and the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the RSI can be used as a predictor of the clinical outcome in patients with distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.

Osteoid osteoma of the cuboid bone: a rare cause of foot pain.

Osteoid osteoma, a common bone lesion of benign nature, is more rarely seen in feet. It most commonly involves the talus yet rarely the cuboid. The atypical symptoms of foot involvement may delay the diagnosis. Differential diagnosis most commonly includes ankle sprain, monoarticular arthritis, anterior impingement syndrome, tarsal spur, osteomyelitis, stress fracture, eosinophilic granuloma. The delay in diagnosis and treatment of osteoid osteoma in the foot may be a cause of chronic foot pain. In this study, we present a 17-year-old boy with osteoid osteoma in his right cuboid bone. The patient was undiagnosed during the first year of his symptoms. After surgical removal of the tumor, his complaints were resolved. The pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. Osteoid osteoma is an unusual bone tumor of the foot. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients exhibiting foot pain. In speculative cases with no obvious radiographic findings, further imaging studies, such as CT, should be considered.

[Results of limited open rotator cuff repair with partial acromioplasty for rotator cuff tears with subacromial impingement syndrome]. / Subakromiyal sikisma sendromu ile birlikte rotator manset yirtiginin, kismi akromiyoplasti ile sinirli açik rotator manset tamiri sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: Short term results of partial acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair with a limited open surgical technique were evaluated in patients with rotator cuff tears. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (16 males, 32 females; mean age 52 years; range 29 to 70 years) with rotator cuff rupture were recruited to the study between January 2001 and December 2006. A limited open rotator cuff repair along with partial acromioplasty (via rasper) was applied in all cases. The Constant-Murley shoulder score was used before and after surgery. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 38 months (range 14 to 70 months). Pre- and postoperative Constant-Murley scores averaged 44 (range 36 to 51) and 88 (range 75 to 96) respectively. Anchoring sutures were displaced in one subject (2%) and tendon insufficiency recurred, another two cases (4%) had impingement from secondary granulation tissue that developed due to sutures in the tendon repair site. CONCLUSION: We believe that minimal acromioplasty via a limited open surgical approach is an applicable technique with good results in the treatment of rotator cuff tears with subacromial impingement syndrome.

A basic arthroscopy course based on motor skill training.

Aim of this study is to introduce, evaluate, and propose a basic arthroscopy training course with interactive methods as using bovine knees, joint models but mainly focusing on practices with motor skill-learning devices. This study presents the results of a skill training program which is based on "motor skill training" theory and using "bovine knees" to simulate a specific task as arthroscopy both in education and evaluation. The participants gave feedback regarding their expectations, fulfillment, and self-evaluation on the degree of their improvement levels, after which their skills were evaluated by an expert while they performed the arthroscopic procedure. During this evaluation of the task, a four-dimensional checklist which was prepared previously by the consensus of three experts was used, and a global grading of each rater was added at the end of the checklist. In this 2-day course, small group teaching sessions are integrated with active and experiential learning methods consisting of short presentations by the educators, demonstrations using joint models and audio-visual teaching material, and significant continuous feedback by the teachers during the proceedings. Participants' expectations and post-course feedback results were obtained using a brief questionnaire which involved mostly open-ended questions. The self-rating of "own basic diagnostic arthroscopy skill" on a scale of 0-10 was completed by the participants both previous to and following the course to establish a student-centered learning environment. Overall rating of the course was asked on a 1-5 (poor-excellent) Likert scale. The questioning of the participants who took part in the course during the last five terms involved a 100% feedback. The overall rating of the course was 4.36 ± 0.47 on the 1-5 scale. The majority of the participants (90%) mentioned that the course met their expectations. The most beneficial activities were accepted to be the arthroscopic procedure applications on bovine knee, repetition of the manipulations under the supervision of the trainers, continuous feedback by experienced staff, and chance for immediate correction during the procedures (35/64). Pre- and post-course self-ratings of the participants inquiring about their ability to perform an arthroscopy alone showed significant improvement (4.2 vs. 7.7 P = 0.000, paired samples t test). All participants were found to be competent in the evaluation of their diagnostic arthroscopy skills on bovine knees. To design a skill teaching course based on the needs of the trainees, focusing on basic motor skill training exercises, and using bovine knee as a simulator is a safe, inexpensive, humanistic, and replicable method that proves a foundation for basic arthroscopic skills learning prior to patient encounter.

[Open reduction and K-wire fixation of mallet finger injuries: mid-term results]. / Cekiç parmakta açik redüksiyon ve K-teli ile internal tespit: Orta dönem takip sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated mid-term results of surgical treatment of mallet finger injuries in patients in whom close reduction was not successful. METHODS: The study involved 34 patients (26 males, 8 females; mean age 27 years; range 21 to 37 years) with mallet finger deformity due to avulsion fracture of the proximal dorsal lip of the distal phalanx. According to the Doyle classification, all injuries were type IVb. Following unsuccessful attempts of closed reduction, the patients were treated with open reduction and K-wire fixation. Cast immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint was employed for four weeks and rehabilitation was started after removing the K-wires in the sixth week. Radiographic and clinical assessments were made according to the Doyle and Crawford criteria, respectively, after a mean follow-up period of 18 months (range 11 to 34 months). RESULTS: Radiographic union was achieved in all the patients and an anatomic reduction was obtained in 31 patients (91.2%). According to the Crawford criteria, the results were excellent in 27 patients (79.4%), good in four patients (11.8%), and moderate in three patients (8.8%). Patients with a good result had a mean extension loss of 5 degrees , and those with a moderate result had a mean flexion loss of 10 degrees . The remaining patients had full range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint. None of the patients developed joint subluxation, narrowing of the joint space, or degenerative changes. CONCLUSION: An anatomical reduction is essential in mallet finger deformities. Open reduction and internal K-wire fixation can be preferred due to its low complication rate and ease of application in patients whose mallet deformity cannot be treated by closed reduction.

[Retrograde intramedullary interlocking nailing in fractures of the distal femur].

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated retrograde locked intramedullary nail applications in patients with distal femur fractures. METHODS: Distal femur fractures of 16 patients (11 males, 5 females; mean age 45 years; range 25 to 69 years) were treated with retrograde locked intramedullary nailing. One patient had bilateral fractures. According to the AO classification, the fractures were A1 (n=8), A2 (n=4), A3 (n=4), and C1 (n=1). There were 13 closed (76.5%), and four open (23.5%) fractures. The mean time to surgery was 10 days (range 2 to 20 days). Open technique was used for nine fractures, and percutaneous technique for eight fractures. Preoperatively, three patients with a floating knee were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging and were found to have a ruptured cruciate ligament. All patients underwent intraoperative knee examination, which showed a ruptured cruciate ligament in five patients. Functional results were assessed using the modified HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) knee rating scale at the end of a mean follow-up period of 32.6 months (range (12 to 68 months). RESULTS: The mean time to union was 25 weeks (range 14 to 42 weeks). One patient had delayed union (42 weeks). Joint range of motion was normal in three knees (17.7%), was 100 to 110 degrees in nine knees (52.9%), 80 degrees in four knees (23.5%), and below 80 degrees in one knee (5.9%). According to the modified HSS knee scale, the results were excellent in five femurs (29.4%), good in six femurs (35.3%), moderate in five femurs, and poor in one femur (5.9%). Postoperative radiographic examination showed varus angulation (10 degrees ) in four patients (23.5%), and posterior angulation (10-20 degrees ) in four patients. In one patient, healing occurred with extreme deformation (30 degrees posterior angulation). None of the patients experienced wound site problems or infections. One patient developed deep vein thrombosis in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Treatment of distal femur fractures with retrograde locked intramedullary nailing yields satisfactory results in adults.

Complete transiliac pelvic osteotomy for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip without internal fixation.

Several problems are encountered with pelvic osteotomy in hip dysplasia including insufficient coverage, avascular necrosis, graft instability and fixation of secondary bone grafts. We evaluated results of pelvic osteotomy in 4-8 year olds in our institution. 44 cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip between 1994 and 1999 were reviewed. 14 hips in 12 patients were treated with a step-cut osteotomy and the results are discussed. The mean age was 5.6 (range: 4-8) years, and mean follow up was 87.7 months (60-120). The patients were followed up according to the Severin clinical assessment criteria, and their radiological findings were evaluated and classified in accordance with the Tonnis criteria. Radiologically, a marked correction was obtained in center-edge angle, which was increased to 22.30 from the preoperative value of -11.20. No graft shift or loss was observed in any cases. There was also no loss in coverage achieved by surgical intervention. Coxofemoral positioning was found to be normal in eighty percent of cases. 8% of cases had avascular necrosis. Full range of hip motion was achieved in 84% of cases, and 84% of cases exhibited negative Trendelenburg's sign. The modified osteotomy we describe eliminated the need for fixation and secondary surgery. Graft stability and bone conservation were achieved.

[Treatment of adult tibial diaphysis fractures with reamed and locked intramedullary nailing]. / Tibia diyafiz kiriklarinin oymali kilitli intramedüller çivi ile tedavisi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of reamed and locked intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures. METHODS: The study included 73 patients (68 males, 5 females; mean age 31 years; range 17 to 68 years) who were treated with reamed and locked intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures. There were 28 AO/ASIF type A, 29 type B, and 16 type C fractures. The fractures involved the proximal 1/3 (n=12), middle 1/3 (n=50), and distal 1/3 (n=11) of the tibial diaphysis. Twenty-eight fractures (38.4%) were closed. According to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, 30 patients (41.1%) had grade I, 10 patients (13.7%) had grade II, and five patients (6.9%) had grade IIIA open fractures. Intramedullary nailing was performed following open reduction in 17 patients (23.3%), and closed reduction in 56 patients (76.7%). The mean time to surgery was 3.4 days (range 2 to 11 days) and the mean follow-up was 48 months (range 24 to 60 months). The patients were evaluated with respect to range of motion, time to union, and complications. Functional results were assessed using the Johner-Wrush criteria. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all the patients within a mean of 18.2 weeks (range 8 to 52 weeks). Four patients required dynamization because of delayed union and grafting was performed in one patient. Transient sensorial deficit occurred in one patient after dynamization. One patient underwent revision surgery because of migration of the distal locking screws. The only limitation of range of motion was seen in flexion of two patients (2.7%) who developed anterior knee pain. According to the Johner-Wrush criteria, functional results were very good in 45 patients (61.6%), and good in 28 patients (38.4%). CONCLUSION: Treatment of tibial diaphysis fractures with reamed and locked intramedullary nailing is an appropriate choice with a low complication rate. It can be safely used in moderately contaminated open fractures.

In vivo comparison of biomechanical, histological, and radiological properties of three techniques for tendon lengthening: an experimental study in rabbits.

Biomechanical, histological, and radiological properties of three different techniques of tendon lengthening - Z-plasty, modified Vulpius, and modified Baker - were investigated and compared. Sixty white female Angora rabbits (mean weight 4.1 kg, range 3.9 kg- 4.2 kg) were randomly divided into three groups: Z-plasty, V-Y plasty (modified Vulpius technique), and U-T plasty (modified Baker technique). Histopathological, radiological, and biomechanical properties were evaluated at the third and sixth postoperative week. Qualitative analysis of ultrasound examination showed that Z-plasty had the most irregular echo pattern at the third postoperative week, and had less echogenic areas at the sixth postoperative week. Histological evaluation showed that Z-plasty had significantly more formation of fibrosis and adhesion and less parallel homogeneous collagen fibres at the sixth postoperative week (p<0.05). U-T plasty had a significantly higher mean (SD) failure load (15.35 (1.89) N) than the other two methods during the third postoperative week (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in failure load between the groups at the sixth postoperative week. U-T plasty is a good alternative to Z-plasty technique for lengthening tendons, and it may be the first choice in those who need moderate lengthening of tendons and early rehabilitation because it is easy to do, heals better, and has good biomechanical properties.

[Treatment of pediatric displaced supracondylar humerus fractures by fixation with two cross K-wires following reduction achieved after cutting the triceps muscle in a reverse V-shape]. / Cocuklardaki deplase suprakondiler humerus kiriklarinin tedavisinde triseps kasinin ters V seklinde kesilmesiyle saglanan redüksiyon ve iki adet çapraz K-teli ile tespit.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of surgical treatment for pediatric displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS: The study included 98 pediatric patients (72 boys, 26 girls; mean age 7 years; range 3 months to 14 years). According to the Gartland classification, all the displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were type III, being of flexion type in 10 patients (10.2%), and extension type in 88 patients (89.8%). Five were Gustilo-Anderson type 1 open fractures. All fractures were approached posteriorly. Reduction was achieved by cutting the triceps muscle in a reverse V-shape, followed by fixation using two cross K-wires from the epicondyles. The results were assessed according to the criteria of Flynn et al. At final follow-ups, elbow range of motion, the strength of the triceps muscle and, on radiographs, the carrying angle of the elbow, Baumann angle, and lateral humerocapitellar angle were measured. The mean follow-up was 42.6 months (range 7 to 80 months). RESULTS: According to the criteria of Flynn et al., 95 patients (96.9%) had perfect or good cosmetic results, 84 patients (85.7%) had perfect or good functional results. Elbow angles, elbow range of motion, and the strength of the triceps muscle were similar to those measured on the normal side (p>0.05). Time from injury to surgery did not have a significant influence on cosmetic and functional results (p>0.05). None of the patients exhibited procedure-related pin tract infection or insufficient bone union. Three patients (3.1%) developed cubitus varus deformity. CONCLUSION: Reduction of pediatric displaced supracondylar humerus fractures may be achieved easily by the posterior approach, after cutting the triceps muscle in a reverse V-shape, and fixation with two cross-pinned K-wires provides adequate stability. This procedure does not result in weakness of the triceps muscle.

[Evaluation of pediatric patients with traumatic hip dislocation]. / Travmatik kalça çikigi nedeniyle tedavi edilen çocuk hastalarin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated pediatric patients who were treated for traumatic dislocation of the hip. METHODS: Traumatic dislocation of the hip was detected in five children (all boys; mean age 9 years; range 7 to 13 years) between 1991 and 2005. Dislocations occurred in the right hip in four cases, and in the left hip in one, all of which had posterior localization. Etiology was fall during play in two children, and fall from height or car crash in three. One patient had posterior wall avulsion fracture of the acetabulum. Early radiologic follow-ups included conventional radiographs and computed tomography. Functional results were assessed with the Harris hip scoring system. Four patients had a sufficient follow-up period with a mean of 44 months (range 19 to 64 months). RESULTS: All the patients were treated with closed reduction under general anesthesia after a mean of 6.4 hours (range 2 to 16 hours) following trauma. Functional results were excellent in all the patients, with a mean Harris hip score of 92 (range 84 to 96). Based on early postoperative radiologic control with computed tomography, no surgical intervention was considered for posterior wall avulsion fracture of the acetabulum in one patient. At 40-month follow-up, he had no complaints, had a full range of motion and a hip score of 92. While no complications were observed in patients undergoing early reduction, one patient whose dislocation was reduced 16 hours after trauma developed avascular necrosis of the femur head 18 months after treatment, at which time his hip score was 84. CONCLUSION: Early reduction is of particular importance for the follow-up course of traumatic hip dislocations in childhood.

Can a pin-tract infection cause an acute generalized soft tissue infection and a compartment syndrome?

A patient who developed soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis secondary to pin tract infection after skeletal traction was evaluated. Tibial traction was performed on a patient who had exposed to a femoral pertrochanteric fracture after falling from a tree in a rural public hospital. On the first postoperative day shortly after development of soft tissue swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected leg, compartment syndrome was noted with subsequent removal of the pin at the same health center. After arrival of the case in our center surgical decompression with an open faciatomy and proper antibiotherapy were instituted. Simultaneously hyperbaric oxygen was administered. After eradication of soft tissue infection we treated the fracture with a Richards compression screw-plate device. The patient was discharged with complete cure. This case presented how seriously a simple pin-tract infection can cause a grave clinical entity resulting in potential loss of an extremity.

Bone quality and healing in a swine vascularized bone allotransplantation model using cyclosporine-based immunosuppression therapy.

Although vascularized bone and joint allotransplantation is a promising new treatment option for reconstructing large bone defects, the need for immunosuppressive agents to prevent rejection in these procedures poses a major problem. This problem stems from the fact that several of these agents can cause harmful side effects, such as alterations in bone quality and healing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine what effect the commonly used immunosuppressant regimen cyclosporine A-based combination therapy has on bone quality and healing. In 10 pigs, vascularized bone allografts with skin and muscle components (osteomyocutaneous free flaps) were transplanted from size-matched donor animals. Recipient animals received oral cyclosporine A/mycophenolate mofetil/prednisone therapy for 90 days. Bone quality was studied before and after transplantation by measuring the bone's acoustic velocity and density and calculating the bone's elastic coefficient. Bone healing was assessed using radiographic analysis. Four animals were lost as a result of graft rejection or immunosuppression-related complications before the 90-day endpoint of the study. Although bone specimens taken from the six animals that completed the 90-day protocol had histological signs of rejection, they all seemed to have normal bone healing. Posttransplant bone density values were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) (1544.7 +/- 47.5 kg/m3) as compared with pretransplant values (1722.7 +/- 44.1 kg/m3). Results of the acoustic velocity and elastic coefficients measurements showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in posttransplant values (from 3503.0 +/- 165.1 meters/sec to 2963.0 +/- 54.6 meters/sec and from 21.6 +/- 2.2 GPa to 13.6 +/- 0.5 GPa, respectively), indicating diminished bone quality. The findings indicate that cyclosporine A/mycophenolate mofetil/prednisone combination therapy is ineffective in preventing bone rejection, that it decreases bone quality, and that it is associated with systemic toxicity, suggesting that this immunosuppressive regimen at the doses used in this study is not ideal for vascularized bone allotransplantation procedures.

Low-dose immunosuppression in a rat hind-limb transplantation model.

Composite tissue allografts (CTAs) offer an alternative to conventional reconstructive methods. However, the toxicity of the drugs that are required to prevent rejection has prevented its widespread clinical application. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a low-dose, corticosteroid-free combination regimen of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) would prevent rejection in a rat hind-limb model, with minimal toxic side effects. Three groups were used in this study. In group I, Wistar Furth (WF) rats received a syngeneic WF hind-limb. In groups II and III, WF rats received an ACI hind-limb. The latter were treated with tacrolimus-MMF. Assessment for rejection, flow cytometry, and mixed lymphocyte reactions was performed. Biopsies were taken regularly and at the time of killing. Combination therapy with low-dose tacrolimus-MMF effectively prolonged CTA survival indefinitely, with minimal side effects. Toxicity associated with immunosuppressive drugs can be avoided in a low-dose combination corticosteroid-free regimen.

Composite tissue allotransplantation in chimeric hosts: part I. Prevention of graft-versus-host disease.

BACKGROUND: Mixed allogeneic chimerism (MAC) has been shown to induce tolerance to composite tissue allografts (CTA). However, transplantation of unmanipulated donor-specific limbs results in severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This suggests that nontolerant mature donor-derived cells in the CTA may affect the stability of chimerism, potentially resulting in GVHD. The aim of this study was to develop an approach to study and prevent GVHD in a mixed chimeric-rat hind-limb transplantation model. METHODS: [ACI-->WF] chimeras received a limb from Wistar Furth (WF) (syngeneic), Fisher (third-party), or ACI (irradiated [1,050 cGy] or nonirradiated) rats. In vitro tolerance was assessed using mixed lymphocyte reactivity (MLR) assays at the time the animals were killed. RESULTS: [ACI-->WF] chimeras with greater than 85% chimerism exhibited rejection-free survival of donor-specific hind limbs. However, 100% of these animals developed lethal GVHD 22.4+/-2.8 days after limb transplantation. [ACI-->WF] chimeras that underwent transplantation with irradiated ACI or syngeneic WF limbs showed no signs of rejection or GVHD at 5 months. Nonchimeric and third-party controls rejected limbs within 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Conditioning of the host WF rats with 950 cGy of irradiation (sublethal, myeloablative) led to high levels of MAC without GVHD. The mature T-cell content of nonirradiated donor (ACI) limbs was sufficient to induce lethal GVHD in 100% of tolerant mixed chimeric [ACI-->WF] hosts. Irradiation of donor limbs before transplantation resulted in long-term donor-specific tolerance and prevented GVHD. These data demonstrate that (1) established chimeras could be susceptible to GVHD caused by immunocompetent donor cells transferred with the hind limb, and (2) inactivating these cells with irradiation prevents GVHD and destabilization of chimerism, and permits rejection-free graft acceptance.

Targeting of glycosaminoglycan-cytokine interactions as a novel therapeutic approach in allotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are heteropolysaccharides present as integral components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell and basement membranes. GAGs play an important role in immune and inflammatory responses because of their ability to interact with cytokines and chemokines, promoting the localization of these molecules onto the ECM or cell membranes at specific anatomical sites. The main goal of these studies was to test the hypothesis that interference with the binding of cytokines/chemokines to GAGs will interfere with a graft rejection response. METHODS: MC-2, a cationic peptide derived from the sequence of the heparin-binding domain of mouse interferon gamma, was used as an inhibitor of the binding of cytokines/chemokines to GAGs. The effects of this peptide were studied in an allogeneic transplantation model involving vascularized rat skin flaps. RESULTS: The MC-2 peptide was found to inhibit binding of interferon-gamma, as well as that of the chemokines, interleukin-8, interferon gamma inducible protein-10, and regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), to GAGs in vitro. Direct administration of MC-2 in an allogeneic skin flap transplantation model resulted in a significantly delayed time of rejection, from 5.4 +/- 0.5 days (control; n=6) to 12.6 +/- 1.6 days (treated animals; n=10). Histopathologic analysis of the skin biopsies was consistent with the delayed rejection process in those animals receiving the peptide, showing only mild signs of rejection up to day 11 (in contrast, all control animals had rejected their flaps by day 6). CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the idea that GAG-cytokine interactions constitute valid therapeutic targets and suggest the potential applicability of such an approach in the prevention of graft rejection.

[Injury to the spinal cord without any radiographic abnormality in a child]. / Cocukta vertebra kirigi olmaksizin gelisen spinal kord yaralanmasi.

Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities (SCIWORA) is a diagnostic challenge most commonly encountered in pediatric patients. The unique hypermobility and ligamentous laxity of the pediatric bony cervical and thoracic spine may predispose to SCIWORA. A four-year-old girl was admitted for polytrauma. During monitorization deterioration in her neurological status was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an abnormal intensity in the spinal cord at the level of T11-L3, suggesting SCIWORA. We did not consider surgery and treated the patient with a conservative approach and rehabilitation program. The patient achieved a functional capacity sufficient to perform essential activities. A detailed neurologic examination should be undertaken particularly in polytrauma pediatric patients and MRI should be employed in suspected cases.