Abstract
PURPOSE: Chance fractures are an uncommon spine injury in the paediatric population. As such there is a relative paucity of evidence in the literature to guide management decisions. We present our single centre experience in the operative management of these injuries. METHODS: All patients presenting to a tertiary paediatric trauma centre between 2000 and 2008 were included. Retrospective analysis of clinical (SRS-22 and Oswestry) and radiological outcomes was undertaken. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent operative stabilization of a Chance type injury. Radiological and clinical outcome measures demonstrated excellent outcomes in the majority of patients with no significant complications. CONCLUSIONS: Operative management of paediatric chance injuries with instrumentation results in excellent clinical and radiological outcomes.