Cervical Spine Imaging Research Articles

Intraoperative Shoulder Traction as Cause of C5 Palsy: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

During surgery, shoulder traction is often used for better fluoroscopic imaging of the lower cervical spine. Traction on the C5 root has been implicated as a potential cause of C5 palsy after cervical spine surgery. Using magnetic resonance imaging, this study was undertaken to determine the impact of upper extremity traction on the C5 root orientation. In this study, 5 subjects underwent coronal magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine and left brachial plexus. Using a wrist restraint, sequential traction on the left arm with 10, 20, and 30 lb. was applied. Measurements of the angle between the spinal axis and C5 nerve root and the angle between the C5 nerve root and the upper trunk of the brachial plexus were obtained. The measurements were taken by a trained neuroradiologist and analyzed for significance. The angle between the C5 nerve root and the vertical spinal axis remained within 3 and 4 degrees of the mean and was not found to be associated with increased traction weight (P= 0.753). The angle between the C5 root and the upper trunk increased with increasing weight and was found to be statistically significant (P= 0.003). While the cause of C5 palsy is likely multifactorial, this study provides evidence that, in the awake volunteer, upper extremity traction leads to C5 root and upper trunk tension. These results suggest that shoulder traction in the anesthetized patient could lead to tension of the C5 nerve root and subsequent injury and palsy.

Imaging Evaluation of the Pediatric Craniovertebral Junction

The craniovertebral junction is imaged in both head and cervical spine imaging. An understanding of the normal morphometric appearance and common anatomic variants of this region is important for making correct diagnoses and avoiding misinterpretation, e.g., differentiating trauma from congenital variants. We describe a practical approach to evaluating the pediatric craniovertebral junction and recognizing common variants using annotated images. Pathology of the craniovertebral junction, including platybasia, basilar invagination, and traumatic injury, is illustrated, and syndromic associations of these findings are reviewed.Learning Objective: Review normal and variant anatomy of the pediatric craniovertebral junction and describe useful measurements for evaluating for traumatic and nontraumatic conditions in children.

Cervical Spine Clearance in the Pediatric Trauma Patient

In this review, we examine the current evidence-based practices in cervical spine evaluation and imaging in injured children, with an emphasis on criteria for cervical collar removal. The primary goal of this review is to synthesize an algorithm for cervical spine clearance using the best available evidence. Removal of the cervical collar without imaging is appropriate for most asymptomatic patients that are conscious and neurologically intact. Patients with negative imaging and persistent neck pain can be safely discharged home in a cervical collar with outpatient follow-up. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the cervical spine is superior to plain films in ruling out cervical spine injury and approaches the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Suspected or confirmed victims of nonaccidental trauma should undergo MRI of the cervical spine, as it may aid in confirming the mechanism of injury and identify non-bony injuries that would otherwise go unnoticed. Most pediatric trauma patients do not require advanced imaging (CT or MRI) to clear the cervical spine. A period of observation and cervical collar stabilization is appropriate for most patients without overt evidence of severe cervical spine trauma. Interval re-examination may be performed, as many patients will have resolution of pain and can then be cleared clinically without advanced cross-sectional imaging. When advanced imaging is sought, spine specialist consultation is recommended.

An Updated Algorithm for Radiographic Screening of Upper Cervical Instability in Patients With Down Syndrome

Study DesignRetrospective evaluation of cervical spine images from 2006–2012 for the purposes of “screening” children with Down syndrome for instability. ObjectiveTo determine whether a full series of cervical spine images including flexion/extension lateral (FEL) radiographs was needed to avoid missing upper cervical instability. Summary of Background DataThe best algorithm, measurements, and criteria for screening children with Down syndrome for upper cervical instability are controversial. Many authors have recommended obtaining flexion and extension views. We noted that patients who require surgical stabilization due to myelopathy or cord compression typically have grossly abnormal radiographic measurements on the neutral upright lateral (NUL) cervical spine radiograph. MethodsThe atlanto-dental interval, space available for cord, and basion axial interval were measured on all films. The Weisel-Rothman measurement was made in the FEL series. Clinical outcome of those with abnormal measurements were reviewed. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of NUL and FEL radiographs for identifying clinically significant cervical spine instability were calculated. ResultsA total of 240 cervical spine series in 213 patients with Down syndrome between the ages of 4 months and 25 years were reviewed. One hundred seventy-two children had an NUL view, and 88 of these patients also had FEL views. Only one of 88 patients was found to have an abnormal atlanto-dental interval (≥6 mm), space available for cord at C1 (≤14 mm), or basion axial interval (>12 mm) on an FEL series that did not have an abnormal measurement on the NUL radiograph. This patient had no evidence of cord compression or myelopathy. ConclusionsObtaining a single NUL radiograph is an efficient method for radiographic screening of cervical spine instability. Further evaluation may be required if abnormal measurements are identified on the NUL radiograph. We also propose new “normal” values for the common radiographic measurements used in assessing risk of cervical spine instability in patients with Down syndrome. Level of EvidenceLevel IV.

Poor patient awareness and frequent misdiagnosis of migraine: findings from a large transcontinental cohort.

Although migraine is the second most disabling condition worldwide, there is poor awareness of it. The objective was to assess the awareness of migraine and previous diagnostic and therapeutic consultations and treatments in a large international population of migraineurs. This was a multicentre study conducted in 12 headache centres in seven countries. Each centre recruited up to 100 patients referred for a first visit and diagnosed with migraine. Subjects were given a structured clinical questionnaire-based interview about the perceptions of the type of headache they suffered from, its cause, previous diagnoses, investigations and treatments. In all, 1161 patients completed the study. Twenty-eight per cent of participants were aware that they suffered from migraine. Sixty-four per cent called their migraine 'headache'; less commonly they used terms such as 'cervical pain' (4%), tension headache (3%) and sinusitis (1%). Eight per cent of general practitioners and 35% of specialists (of whom 51% were neurologists and/or headache specialists) consulted for migraine formulated the correct diagnosis. Before participating in the study, 50% of patients had undergone X-ray, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine and 76% underwent brain and/or cervical spine imaging for migraine. Twenty-eight per cent of patients had received symptomatic migraine-specific medications and 29% at least one migraine preventive medication. Although migraine is a very common disease, poor awareness of it amongst patients and physicians is still an issue in several countries. This highlights the importance of the promotion of migraine awareness to reduce its burden and limit direct and indirect costs and the risk of exposure to useless investigations.

Evaluation of clinical criteria to determine the need for cervical spine imaging in victims of blunt assault

The purpose of this study is to evaluate effectiveness of clinical criteria, specifically the NEXUS Criteria, in determining the need for cervical spine imaging in victims of blunt assault to head and face.CT results from victims of blunt assault to the head and face were compared with presenting clinical findings. The presence or absence of cervical spine injury was correlated with positive NEXUS criteria to determine if the clinical criteria appropriately risk stratified patients in this population.Incidence of c-spine injury was 1.09% (7/641). For clinically significant injury, the incidence dropped to 0.16% (1/641). PPV of NEXUS criteria in blunt assault to the head and face for any injury in our study was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.6%–2.6%) compared to 2.7% (95% CI: 2.6%–2.8%) in the NEXUS validity study. PPV of NEXUS criteria in blunt assault to the head and face for significant injury in our study was 0.2% (95% CI: 0%–0.9%) compared to 1.9% (95% CI: 1.8%–2.0%) in the NEXUS validity study.The findings demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the PPV of NEXUS criteria in victims of blunt assault to the head and face when compared to all blunt trauma in the NEXUS validity study. This suggests that the clinical criteria do not adequately stratify this low risk population, leading to imaging over-utilization. Limited use of cervical spine imaging in victims of blunt assault will decrease radiation exposure and healthcare costs and will strengthen the validity of clinical risk stratification for more high-risk groups.

Association Between Diaphragmatic Paralysis and Ipsilateral Cervical Spondylosis on MRI.

Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP) is an important cause of dyspnea with many underlying etiologies; however, frequently no cause is identified despite extensive investigation. We hypothesized that cervical spondylosis (CS), as manifest by cervical neuroforaminal stenosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is an underrecognized cause of unilateral DP. A retrospective study was performed assessing cervical spine imaging utilization in the investigation of unilateral DP, and the contribution of CS to its pathogenesis. To assess the relationship between CS and DP, comparison was made between severity of ipsilateral and contralateral foraminal stenosis on cervical spine MRI in individuals with idiopathic DP, and to controls with DP of known etiology. Record searches identified 334 individuals with DP who were classified as idiopathic (n = 101) or DP of known etiology (n = 233). Of those with idiopathic DP, only 37% had undergone cervical spine imaging. Cervical spine MRIs, available for 32 individuals from the total cohort identified (n = 15 idiopathic DP, n = 17 DP of known etiology), were reviewed and severity of CS graded (0-2). In idiopathic DP, CS was significantly more severe (grade 2 stenosis) on the side of DP at C3-C4 (73% affected vs 13% unaffected side; p = 0.031) and C4-C5 (60% affected vs 20% unaffected side; p = 0.0039), while no difference was observed in DP of known etiology. Overall severity of CS across all cervical spine levels was significantly worse in idiopathic DP versus those with DP of known etiology. In unilateral idiopathic DP, severity of CS is associated with DP laterality and is an underrecognized cause of diaphragmatic dysfunction. We propose that evaluation of 'idiopathic' DP should routinely include cervical spine imaging, preferably by MRI.

Clinical clearance and imaging for possible cervical spine injury in children in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study.

While cervical spine injuries (CSIs) are rare in the paediatric population, presentations to EDs with possible neck injuries are common. Based on a lack of Australian data we set out to determine how many possible injuries are clinically cleared, what imaging is used on the remainder and the incidence and characteristics of confirmed paediatric CSIs. We undertook a retrospective electronic medical record review of children <18 years with potential CSIs at a large tertiary paediatric trauma centre in Victoria, Australia over a 12 month period (annual census 87 000). For possible injuries we extracted key epidemiologic, imaging and short-term outcome data. During the study period, a total of 617 patients with potential neck injuries were seen in the ED (617/87 000, 0.7%). The median age was 11 years. The most common mechanisms of injury were falls (41%), motor vehicle injuries (28%) and sports-related injuries (24%). Four hundred and fourteen of 617 (67%) underwent neck imaging (345/414, 83% plain radiograph; 100/414, 24% computed tomography; 7/414, 1.6% magnetic resonance imaging). Twenty-three of 617 (4.1%) had radiologically documented CSIs. Two required operative interventions for their neck injuries. While two-thirds of children with potential CSIs undergo radiological evaluation, actual injuries are rare (<4%). These data suggest that there is a potential for improved targeting of cervical spine imaging for trauma. The development of a clinical decision tool may help reduce neck radiography.

Incorporation of the anteroposterior lumbar radiographs in the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score improves detection of radiographic spinal progression in axial spondyloarthritis

BackgroundTo evaluate the performance of the extended modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) incorporating information from anteroposterior (AP) lumbar radiographs as compared to the conventional mSASSS in detection of radiographic spinal progression in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)MethodsA total of 210 patients with axSpA, 115 with radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA), and 95 with non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA), from the GErman SPondyloarthritis Inception Cohort (GESPIC), were included in the analysis based on the availability of spinal radiographs (cervical spine lateral, lumbar spine lateral, and AP views), at baseline and year 2. Two trained readers independently scored lateral cervical and lumbar spine images according to the mSASSS system (0–3 per vertebral corner, 0–72 in total). In addition, all vertebral corners of vertebral bodies visible on lumbar AP radiographs (lower T12 to upper S1) were assessed according to the same scoring system that resulted in a total range for the extended mSASSS from 0 to 144. Reliability and sensitivity to detect radiographic spinal progression of the extended mSASSS as compared to the conventional mSASSS were evaluated.ResultsThe reliability of conventional and extended scores was excellent with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.926 and 0.927 at baseline and 0.920 and 0.933 at year 2, respectively. The mean ± SD score for mSASSS and extended mSASSS at baseline were 4.25 ± 8.32 and 8.59 ± 17.96, respectively. The change score between baseline and year 2 was 0.73 ± 2.34 and 1.19 ± 3.73 for mSASSS and extended mSASSS, respectively. With the extended mSASSS, new syndesmophytes after 2 years were detected in 4 additional patients, new syndesmophytes or growth of existing syndesmophytes in 5 additional patients, and progression by ≥ 2 points in the total score in 14 additional patients meaning a 25%, 28%, and 46% increase in the proportion of patients with progression according to the respective definition as compared to the conventional score.ConclusionsIncorporation of lumbar AP radiographs in the assessment of structural damage in the spine resulted into detection of additional patients with radiographic spinal progression not captured by the conventional mSASSS score.

Evaluation of a novel reconstruction method based on the compressed sensing technique: Application to cervical spine MR imaging

Compressed sensing-based reconstruction (CSR) is a new magnetic resonance (MR) image reconstruction method based on the compressed sensing (CS) technique. CSR suppresses ringing artifacts from truncated k-space sampling by estimating the high spatial frequency information required to support the acquired k-space data. CSR is intended to replace the existing zero-fill interpolation (ZIP) reconstruction. We investigated the usefulness of the CSR technique by obtaining sagittal T2-weighted images of the cervical spine and phantom images using CSR or ZIP. Our results indicated that the CSR technique reduces truncation artifacts compared to ZIP without prolonging the scan time or impairing image sharpness.

Rigid segmental cervical spine instrumentation is safe and efficacious in younger children.

The utilization of cervical spine instrumentation in the young pediatric patient is not well reported. This study presents outcomes and complications of cervical spine instrumentation in patients who underwent cervical spine fusion surgery before age 10. Radiographic and clinical data were collected on all patients who underwent cervical spine surgery with instrumentation at a single institution between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2015. Patients were ≤ 10years of age at the time of surgery with any cervical spine deformity/injury diagnosis. Patient demographics, details on cervical spine diagnosis, procedural data, imaging data, and postoperative follow-up data were collected. Twenty children met the criteria and were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 10.6months (3months-2years). Initial indication for cervical spine correction surgery included deformity (7 cases), trauma (6 cases), instability (3 cases), stenosis (2 cases), rotary subluxation (1 case), and infection (1 case). Fifteen cases were treated with adult 3.5-mm cervical spine instrumentation, 3 with wiring (1 sublaminar and 2 spinous process), and 2 with cannulated screws. Postoperative immobilization included 16 halo fixation, 3 collars, and 1 CTO. Overall, there were five complications related to the surgery. Two patients who had wiring (1 sublaminar and 1 spinous process) developed a non-union and required revision surgery (1 with cannulated screws and 1 with 3.5-mm segmental cervical spine instrumentation). One patient developed a postoperative infection that required incision and drainage. Five patients developed superficial pin infections for their halo. Two deformity patients experienced neurological complications that were likely unrelated to the cervical instrumentation. Rigid segmental fixation can be safe and efficacious when used in pediatric cervical spine patients. Whether used with halo or orthosis, patients experience minimal to no complications from the instrumentation and achieve successful fusion. Cervical spine wiring had a high risk of non-union requiring revision surgery. The incidence of wound infection was low with one in 20 cases.

The effects of aging on the profile of the cervical spine.

The study aims to investigate the effects of aging on the cervical spine.Outpatients in the study were grouped by age. The cervical spine image in the sagittal plane from participants in the supine position was acquired with MRI. Thoracic inlet angle (TIA), T1 slope (T1S), neck tilt (NT), and cervical angle (CC2–7) were measured.NT and TIA measured 41.84 ± 9.26 and 64.15 ± 10.72 in participants younger than 40, and 53.02 ± 9.52 and 72.09 ± 10.49 in participants older than 40 (P < .01). CC2–7 measured 6.11 ± 9.88 in participants younger than 40, significantly lower compared with participants older than 40, which measured 10.89 ± 11.02 (P = .003). TIS did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P = .087). No significant difference was found in all measurements between the female and male participants. Age was moderately correlated with NT (r = 0.466, P < .01) and TIA (r = 0.512, P < .01), but weakly correlated with CC2–7 (r = 0.315, P < .01) and TIS (r = 0.210, P = .005). TIA showed a strong correlation with NT (r = 0.748, P < .01) and a moderate correlation with T1S (r = 0.458, P < .01). Lastly, T1S was strongly correlated with CC2–7 (r = 0.701, P < .01).The result showed that NT, CC2–7, and TIA, but not T1S, increased with age.

A Two-Year Cost Analysis of Maximum Nonoperative Treatments in Patients with Cervical Stenosis that Ultimately Required Surgery

The aim of this study is to characterize the use and associated costs of maximal nonoperative therapy (MNT) received within 2-years before anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery in patients with symptomatic cervical stenosis. An insurance database, including private/commercially insured and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, was queried for patients undergoing 1-level, 2-level, or 3-level ACDF procedures between 2007 and 2016. Research records were searchable by International Classification of Diseases diagnosis and procedure, Current Procedural Terminology, and generic drug codes. The use of MNTs within 2 years before index ACDF surgery was assessed by cost billed to patients, prescriptions written, and number of units billed. Of 220,902 (7.16%) eligible patients, 15,825 underwent index surgery. Patient breakdown of the use of MNT modalities was as follows: 5731 (36.2%) used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs; 9827 (62.1%) used opioids; 7383 (46.7%) used muscle relaxants; 3609 (22.8%) received cervical epidural steroid injection; 5504 (34.8%) attended physical therapy/occupational therapy; 1663 (10.5%) received chiropractor treatments; and 200 (1.3%) presented to the emergency department. During the 2-year preoperative period, there were 51,675 prescriptions for diagnostic cervical imaging. The total direct cost associated with all MNTs before ACDF was $16,056,556. Cervical spine imaging comprised the largest portion of the total MNT cost ($8,677,110; 54.0%), followed by cervical epidural steroid injection ($3,315,913; 20.7%) and opioids ($2,228,221; 13.9%). Opiates were the most frequently prescribed therapy (71,602 prescriptions). Opioids are the most frequently prescribed and most used therapy in the preoperative period for cervical stenosis. Further studies and improved guidelines are necessary to determine which patients may benefit from ACDF earlier in the course of nonoperative therapies.

Tremors as an atypical presentation of cervical myelopathy

Tremors are common especially in the elderly population. However, tremors occurring secondary to cervical myelopathy are rarely reported. We report the case of a 91-year-old gentleman who was admitted to the neurology service with chief complaints of bilateral upper- and lower-limb tremors. This had progressed rapidly over 2 weeks to the extent that he was not able to feed himself and was unable to walk without support. An initial working diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was made but was later dismissed because of the atypical features. A magnetic resonance imaging of cervical spine was subsequently performed which revealed a large disc herniation at C3–C4 level, causing severe spinal canal stenosis and cord compression. Given this radiological presentation and the absence of other objective pathologies on further investigations, we correlated his symptoms to the underlying cervical cord compression. He underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion which led to complete resolution of tremors by 8 weeks postsurgery. His unsteadiness eventually resolved, and there was no recurrence of tremors throughout our follow-up period. This case highlights a rare atypical presentation of cervical myelopathy as peripheral limb tremors. The diagnostic dilemma, management strategies, and hypothesis to explain this phenomenon are discussed.

Features of conducting medial branches radiofrequency neurotomy in the cervical spine

Objective — optimize the technique of radiofrequency destruction of the medial branch of the spinal nerve and evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of reflex pain syndromes of the cervical spine.&#x0D; Materials and methods. In 30 patients with chronic pain in the neck and upper extremities who were treated in the department of neurosurgery N 2 of the Kyiv City Clinical Emergency Hospital from 2014 to 2017, the effectiveness of the radiofrequency neurotomy of the medial branch of the spinal cord back root and the clinical significance of diagnostic blockades. There were 14 men (46.7 %), women — 16 (53.3 %). The age of the patients is from 38 to 75 years (the average age is 53.7 years). Neurotomy was performed in patients with chronic neck pain with irradiation in the upper limbs, in which diagnostic blockades were effective. The study did not include patients with myelopathy and radiculopathy. Preoperative pain intensity ranges from 5 to 9 points (on average, 7.50 ± 0.86 points) on a visual analog scale (VAS). The duration of pain before surgery ranged from 6 months to 20 years (an average is 3.5 years). In 21 patients, the pain was one-sided (9 in the right, 12 in the left), and the others with a bilateral one. All patients underwent clinical and neurological examination, roentgenography of the cervical spine and magnetic resonance imaging. The efficacy of the therapy was assessed with the help of the VAS, the functional state using the NDI (Neck Disability Index) questionnaire.&#x0D; Results. The pain intensity was assessed after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The pain intensity according to the VAS decreased from (7.50 ± 0.86) point before the operation to (2.07 ± 0.74) points after 12 months. A significant statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) improvement in the functional state compared with the baseline was noted in the postoperative period. Preoperative functional status was assessed on average (27.80 ± 1.19) points on the NDI scale. A week after the neurotomy, there was a statistically significant decrease in the total score on the NDI scale to an average of 12.90 ± 0.69, after 12 months to 13.10 ± 1.01.&#x0D; Conclusions. Factors affecting the effectiveness of radiofrequency destruction include the proper selection of patients, the accuracy of diagnostic tests and the technically correct installation of the electrode. Knowledge of the anatomical features of the medial branch of the spinal nerve, the X-ray anatomy, the characteristics and size of the damage during radiofrequency destruction ensure the effectiveness of neurotomy.

CERVICOBRACHIAL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL OSTEOCHONDROSIS

The article presents clinical profile of patients with cervical osteochondrosis and cervicobrachial syndrome, results of cliniconeurological examination including X-ray diagnostics (plain frontal and lateral radiography of cervical spine, functional tests, frontal and lateral X-ray imaging of large joints of upper limbs), MRI of cervical spine, stimulation electroneuromyography and osteodensimetry. Statistical processing with definition of nonparametric test and correlation coefficient was performed using SPSS 22.0.0 software. Pearson and Spearman nonparametric tests were used for correlation analysis. Examination of patients with cervicobrachial syndrome revealed that bone tissue condition of a limb with pain syndrome slightly differs from the bone tissue condition of a healthy limb and is within normal range. Neuromyography showed that abnormality of a functional condition of studied nerves of upper limbs was not pronounced and was registered on both limbs. As a result of our research we can suppose that asymmetric abnormal focus inhibits peripheral and central chains of locomotor system both on injured and healthy limbs. Differences in functional condition of peripheral nerves of upper limbs in patients with cervicobrachial syndrome and healthy people are statistically significant and allow us to consider them as a sign of decompensation which prevent healthy performance.

Development of a new clinical decision rule for cervical CT to detect cervical spine injury in patients with head or neck trauma

ObjectivePrevious cervical spine imaging decision rules have been based on positive findings on plain X-ray and are limited by lack of specificity, age restrictions and complicated algorithms. We previously derived...

A Multicenter Program to Implement the Canadian C-Spine Rule by Emergency Department Triage Nurses

The Canadian C-Spine Rule has been widely applied by emergency physicians to safely reduce use of cervical spine imaging. Our objective is to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of real-time Canadian C-Spine Rule implementation by emergency department (ED) triage nurses to remove cervical spine immobilization. We conducted this multicenter, 2-phase, prospective cohort program at 9 hospital EDs and included alert trauma patients presenting with neck pain or with cervical spine immobilization. During phase 1, ED nurses were trained and then had to demonstrate competence before being certified. During phase 2, certified nurses were empowered by a medical directive to "clear" the cervical spine of patients, allowing them to remove cervical spine immobilization and to triage to a less acute area. The primary outcomes were clinical effect (cervical spine clearance by nurses) and safety (missed clinically important cervical spine injuries). In phase 1, 312 nurses evaluated 3,098 patients. In phase 2, 180 certified nurses enrolled 1,408 patients (mean age 43.1 years, women 52.3%, collision 56.5%, and cervical spine injury 1.1%). In phase 2 and for the 806 immobilized ambulance patients, the primary outcome of immobilization removal by nurses was 41.1% compared with 0% before the program. The primary safety outcome of cervical spine injuries missed by nurses was 0. Time to discharge was reduced by 26.0% (3.4 versus 4.6 hours) for patients who had immobilization removed. In only 1.3% of cases did nurses indicate their discomfort with applying the Canadian C-Spine Rule. We clearly demonstrated that ED triage nurses can successfully implement the Canadian C-Spine Rule, leading to more rapid and comfortable management of patients without any threat to patient safety. Widespread adoption of this approach should improve care and comfort for trauma patients, and could decrease length of stay in our very crowded EDs.

Cervical Spine Injury From Unrecognized Craniocervical Instability in Severe Pierre Robin Sequence Associated With Skeletal Dysplasia

Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) can be associated with skeletal dysplasias, presenting with craniocervical instability and devastating spinal injury if unrecognized. The authors present the case of an infant with PRS and a type II collagenopathy who underwent multiple airway-securing procedures requiring spinal manipulation before craniocervical instability was identified. This resulted in severe cervical cord compression due to odontoid fracture and occipitoatlantoaxial instability. This case highlights the importance of early cervical spine imaging and cautious manipulation in infants with PRS and suspected skeletal dysplasia.

Cervical Spine Imaging and Injuries in Young Children With Non-Motor Vehicle Crash-Associated Traumatic Brain Injury.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) practices and cervical spine injuries among young children with non-motor vehicle crash (MVC)-associated traumatic brain injury (TBI). We performed a retrospective study of a stratified, systematic random sample of 328 children younger than 2 years with non-MVC-associated TBI at 4 urban children's hospitals from 2008 to 2012. We defined TBI etiology as accidental, indeterminate, or abuse. We reported the proportion, by etiology, who underwent cervical MRI or CT, and had cervical abnormalities identified. Of children with non-MVC-associated TBI, 39.4% had abusive head trauma (AHT), 52.2% had accidental TBI, and in 8.4% the etiology was indeterminate. Advanced cervical imaging (CT and/or MRI) was obtained in 19.1% of all children with TBI, with 9.3% undergoing MRI and 11.7% undergoing CT. Cervical MRI or CT was performed in 30.9% of children with AHT, in 11.7% of accidental TBI, and in 10.7% of indeterminate-cause TBI. Among children imaged by MRI or CT, abnormal cervical findings were found in 22.1%, including 31.3% of children with AHT, 7.1% of children with accidental TBI, and 0% of children with indeterminate-cause TBI. Children with more severe head injuries who underwent cervical imaging were more likely to have cervical injuries. Abusive head trauma victims appear to be at increased risk of cervical injuries. Prospective studies are needed to define the risk of cervical injury in children with TBI concerning for AHT and to inform development of imaging guidelines.