This book brings together the congenital, acquired and traumatic conditions which may affect the child's cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine. The immature spine poses considerable diagnostic dilemmas and radiographs are often difficult to interpret. The aetiology of deformity, its assessment, monitoring and treatment are comprehensively described. Back pain in children receives special attention. Care has been taken to identify symptoms and signs which should raise our level of anxiety and those which are likely to resolve. Where surgery is necessary the principles and risks are defined.