Cervical spine evaluation in pediatric trauma

Abstract

Objective: This article will review the current literature as it relates to imaging of the child suspected to have cervical spine injury (CSI) and the imaging findings of pediatric CSI, focusing on strategies to minimize radiation dose while maximizing diagnostic yield.

Conclusion: Although CSI is uncommon in children, the clinical implications of failure to correctly diagnose CSI are significant. Clinical decision rules proven effective in predicting CSI in adults cannot be uniformly applied to children.