The pediatric spine specialists with Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine are the foremost providers of pediatric spine care in Louisville, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. Our fellowship-trained pediatric spine specialists provide specialized care for children and teens with cervical spine injuries.

What Is a Cervical Spine Injury?

A cervical spine injury is an injury to the upper portion of the spine, including the neck and just below the neck. The severity of the injury depends on which part of the seven cervical vertebrae was affected, from C3 to C7. Depending on where the injury is located, the following could happen:

• If any of the upper cervical nerves and or the spinal cord is injured, a child can have paralysis in some or all of the breathing muscles and possibly the arms and legs.
• If the lower cervical nerves and/or spinal cord is injured, a child can become paralyzed in the arms and legs and can have bowel and bladder dysfunction.

In general, a child’s spinal column is more elastic than an adult’s, providing extra protection from severe injury. However, a child usually reaches skeletal maturity at age 15 or 16. Teens and young adults between ages 16 to 24 have the highest rates of cervical spine injury, meaning that their injuries can mimic those of adults.

After a scoliosis procedure, Bailey is on top of her game

From sideways to straight: Bailey’s journey through spinal surgery back to the soccer field

Read Bailey's Story

Cervical Spine Injury Causes

The most common cervical spine injuries happen due to:

• Birth injuries
• Car accidents
• Diseases
• Falls
• Sports injuries and accidents
• Violence

Other causes can include:

• Angulation (severe bending) of the spinal column
• Bending or buckling of ligaments
• Compression due to a blood clot or fractured bone
• Lack of blood flow

Cervical Spine Injury Treatment

Treatment plans for cervical spine injuries will be unique based on a child’s age, location of injury and current condition. Treatment options can include:

• Complete spine immobilization with a rigid cervical collar
• External bracing, such as a “halo” device that consists of a metal ring that fixes to the child’s skull and connects to a padded vest by bars
• Medications that can help prevent further injury to the spinal cord
• Surgical fusion that can join two or more vertebrae, with or without metal devices

Why Choose Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine

• Children need spine care that’s unique to their growing bodies. We use a team approach to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate spine and spinal cord conditions in children.
• As surgeons, our specialists have the experience to know when surgery can help your child and when more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and bracing, can help. Most of our patients don’t need surgery.
• Locations in Hikes Point and downtown Louisville are staffed by five physicians and three physician assistants.
• The EOS Imaging system uses extremely low-dose radiation for monitoring spinal conditions, including scoliosis, kyphosis and deformities.
• We’re home to the world’s first implantation of VerteGlide, a system of straightening rods that moves with your child’s growth, reducing the need for follow-up surgical adjustments.
• Our physicians are internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more.
• Recognized for expertise in pediatric orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report.
• Several of our providers are leaders in the Scoliosis Research Society, the most prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world.
• Norton Children’s Hospital is verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification (ACS CSV) Quality Improvement Program.
• Medicaid and most major commercial insurance are accepted. Financial assistance also is available.
• Use your free Norton MyChart account to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more.