The symptoms and treatment of dislocated cervical vertebra in a child

A dislocated cervical vertebra in a child is one of the most frequent injuries as adults. And it happens that the dislocation of the cervical vertebra of the newborn happens at the moment of birth. In this case, turns out to be a precipitating factor? In fact several of them.

First, it is the anatomical defects and some immaturity ligaments. Second, this may be a consequence of birth trauma that can occur with improper head position of the baby if he’s born feet first, or if during childbirth used all sorts of benefits. Also, this injury can occur in the absence of proper qualifications of doctors who deliver babies.

And finally, the third reason for the anomalous birth of the fetal head with its deviation from the Central axis of the body.

Dislocation of cervical vertebra in older child also has its reasons, which must know the parents to prevent the development of this pathology. Here, aggravating factors will be other reasons:

1. Exceeding the maximum amplitude when you turn your head or reckless actions can cause rupture of the ligaments of the spine.
2. The poor development of coordination of movements. Children have underdeveloped muscles during sudden movements can lead to a traumatic shift of the vertebrae, which often happens on the Playground, during games, physical education lessons and during active movements.
3. Blows to the head with hands or the ball, careless prolonged, or even short-term pressure on the head, sudden movements and bad jumping also can cause dislocation.

Dislocation of the first cervical vertebra in a child – an injury that is most often diagnosed in the newborn after birth. This is due primarily to the fact that the cervical is the biggest impact during fights. Also damage may occur when assistance during childbirth is not at the proper level. All this leads to the compression or squashing of the spinal cord, nerve roots, blood vessels.

The clinical picture

It is important to understand that in the first few months of life the symptoms of dislocation can does not manifest itself, that is, parents do not notice anything unusual in the behavior of the crumbs. And notice something very difficult, as most of the day the child is just sleeping. Further symptoms of a dislocated cervical vertebra in a child will depend entirely on the degree of displacement and its localization.

Often the first manifestations occur when the baby begins to hold his head up, move and sit. During this period, the child becomes very Moody and tired too quickly, trying not to make the neck of unnecessary movements. He may develop improper gait.

If no help from doctors is not followed, then the situation worsens and appear specific characteristics, among which the most common can be considered:

1. Pain in the neck, bearing acute.
2. The noise in my head.
3. Dizziness.
4. Muscle weakness in the hands and feet.
5. Cramps in the hands.
6. The tension of the neck muscles.
7. The sleep disturbance.
8. Pain in jaws, shoulders, back.

In addition, in some cases, there may be and uncharacteristic symptoms, such as swelling of the injured place, the stiffness of the upper spine, palpation through the skin offset of the segment, different length of extremities in the absence of lameness.

In addition, it is very important and which vertebra suffered most. For example, if it is the first cervical vertebra, to the above symptoms, you can add blurred vision, fainting, inability to turn the head to the affected side.

If the damage of the second cervical vertebra suffer hearing and vision, there may be speech defects.

If the dislocation happened between the second and third vertebra, may cause difficulties in swallowing and swelling of the tongue. In dislocation of seventh vertebra – frequent colds and diseases of the thyroid gland.

All of these injuries are especially dangerous in children. When joint dislocation come fast degenerative processes, bone and cartilage is replaced by connective. Without timely treatment to restore the deformed body is possible only through surgical intervention. Therefore, it is important to note all signs of disease even at the earliest stages of development.

Conservative therapy

Must as soon as possible to return the vertebra to its normal position. This is most often used manual reduction, but only if the dislocation had been diagnosed within a few days after birth. A later diagnosis of the disease involves other methods of reposition, until the rapid.

For older children can be used in the treatment loop Gleason. Often a dislocation or subluxation of the vertebrae leads to strain on the muscle tissue. Before the treatment of this symptom must be removed.

After the repositioning require prolonged immobilization that often is performed by means of a collar Schantz. This orthopedic device is recommended to be at least a month. The treatment of dislocated cervical vertebra in a child should only be conducted by an experienced specialist.