Epidemiology and Trends of Pediatric Spine Injuries: A Nationwide Analysis (2012–2020)

Introduction: Pediatric spine injuries are a significant concern, particularly due to the long-term consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) and vertebral fractures. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and trends in pediatric spine injuries in the United States from 2012 to 2019, utilizing data from the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) and the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients (aged 0–20 years) diagnosed with spine injuries, including vertebral fractures and SCIs, using data from the KID and NEDS (2012–2019). Data on patient demographics, injury mechanisms (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, sports), length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and outcomes were collected. Risk factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results: From 2012 to 2019, a total of 30,100 pediatric spine injury cases were recorded. The incidence of spine injuries increased from 95.2 per million population (pmp) in 2012 to 114.7 pmp in 2019, with adolescents (15-19 years) showing the highest prevalence. Neurological injuries were present in 18.3% of cases, with motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) accounting for 53% of injuries. Spinal cord injuries (SCI) represented 19.7% of all cases. The prevalence of sports-related injuries also increased during this period, particularly in children aged 10-14 years. The mean length of stay (LOS) decreased from 5.2 days in 2012 to 4.7 days in 2019, while hospital charges rose by 32% over the same period (P < 0.001).

Conclusion : Pediatric spine injuries, particularly those related to motor vehicle accidents and sports, continue to rise. Adolescents are at the highest risk, and the increase in hospital charges underscores the growing economic burden of these injuries. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, especially in high-risk groups such as adolescents and children involved in contact sports.