Journal of pediatric orthopedics
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The purpose of this review is to evaluate the safety of regional anesthesia techniques performed for postoperative analgesia in anesthetized children. Pediatric regional anesthesia techniques, such as nerve blocks and neuraxial injections of either local anesthetics or narcotics, can potentially reduce postoperative pain for all children undergoing surgery. However, children may react differently to anesthesia than adults, and they usually cannot tolerate the administration of regional anesthesia unless they are under general anesthesia. ⋯ No complications were noted in patients who received neuraxial injections. This retrospective review indicates that regional anesthesia techniques performed 'under general anesthesia have a low rate of complications in children. A prospective trial is recommended to establish the efficacy and safety of this practice.
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The purpose of this study is to report the current incidence rates of pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States and identify specific high-risk populations as a knowledge basis for improving the prevention and treatment of this traumatic injury. ⋯ Using discharge records from a public database, it is possible to identify high-risk demographic groups and activities that predispose a child to SCI. With a more thorough understanding of the etiology of pediatric SCI, clinicians and parents are better equipped to devise measures for prevention and treatment of this injury.