Spina Biﬁda Occulta Is a Risk Factor for Spinal Cord Injury Without Fracture or Dislocation for Children Performing a Backbend During Dance

Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.903507 · Published: June 15, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates spinal cord injuries in children without bone fractures, focusing on injuries caused by backbends during dance. Researchers analyzed data from 74 children to identify risk factors, particularly spina bifida occulta (SBO). The study found that backbends during dance were a common cause of these injuries, especially in girls. Additionally, a significant proportion of children with these injuries had SBO, suggesting a potential link between the two. The researchers suggest that SBO might make the spinal cord more vulnerable to injury during backbends. They recommend increased awareness and caution, especially for young children involved in activities that involve repetitive backbends.

Study Duration

January 2010 to December 2021

Participants

74 children with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Backbend during dance was the main cause of spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation in the studied population.
2
A statistically significant association was found between spina bifida occulta (SBO) and spinal cord injury in children performing backbends during dance.
3
The prognosis was poorer in children whose spinal cord injury was caused by backbends during dancing compared to other causes of injury.

Research Summary

This study aimed to explore the clinical features and outcomes of children with spinal cord injury (SCI) without fracture or dislocation. The study showed that backbend during the dance was the main cause of children’s SCI without fracture or dislocation in Chongqing, China. Meanwhile, we have established an association between SBO and SCI for children performing a backbend during the dance.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Strengthen scientific popularization to enhance the awareness of individuals who practice any activity that involves backbend.

Preventative Measures

Children, particularly those younger than 8 years, should be encouraged to avoid prolonged, repetitive backbend of the spine to reduce the risk during the dance.

Risk Assessment

Identification of risk factors for children attending dancing courses could be of value in risk assessment and prevention.

Study Limitations

1
Retrospective study design
2
Single-center research study with inevitable selection bias
3
Lack of a control group to assess risk factors for backbend during dance and SCI

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