EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS AND DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES TO PEDIATRIC HEAD, THORACIC, AND THORACIC VERTEBRAL INJURIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/Keywords:
Pediatric trauma, epidemiology, head injury, thoracic injury, vertebral fracture, diagnostic imagingAbstract
Pediatric trauma involving the head, thoracic cage, and thoracic vertebrae is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in childhood. The unique anatomical features of children result in different injury patterns compared to adults, often complicating clinical assessment and treatment. This article explores the epidemiological aspects of such injuries, examines the role of modern diagnostic modalities, and provides recommendations for clinical practice. A review of 70 articles published between 2018 and 2024, combined with a retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma cases, revealed that head trauma remains the most prevalent, followed by thoracic injuries and vertebral fractures. The study highlights the importance of early recognition, advanced imaging, and systematic epidemiological monitoring in improving pediatric trauma outcomes.
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