Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Research Articles

Pediatric cervical spine clearance after blunt trauma and negative CT: What is the role of MRI?

Background and purposeThe cervical spine in children has marked anatomical and biomechanical differences compared to adults, leading to significantly different patterns and incidence of spinal injury, and consequently to different X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging recommendations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been validated to clear cervical spine trauma in adults, but not in pediatric patients. We hypothesized that MRI findings have a low probability to change management in children with spine trauma and negative CT findings. Materials and methodsWe reviewed records for admitted pediatric patients due to blunt trauma from January 2011 to May 2021, and identified 212 patients who underwent MRI within 3 days of a negative CT. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed all CT and MRI images for the following categories: fracture, subluxation, spinal canal compromise, ligamentous injury, spinal canal hemorrhage, cord contusion and soft tissue hemorrhage. We identified follow-up MRI examinations as negative or positive for the above categories, and calculated the prevalence of each category as a percentage of cases with negative CT. We also evaluated whether negative and positive MRI groups differed significantly with respect to age and sex of the patients. Results and conclusionsIn our study of 212 children with cervical spine trauma and a negative CT, most follow-up MRI scans were found to be negative (79.9 %). Positive MRI findings consisted mainly of ligamentous sprain without disruption (15.1 %). Ligamentous disruption and epidural or soft tissue hemorrhage were found in 4.5 %, and focal cord contusion in 0.5 %. There was no statically significant difference between negative and positive MRI groups with respect to age (P = 0.45) and sex (P = 0.52). ConclusionIn our patient group with a negative CT, MRI did not significantly impact management nor contribute to cervical spine clearance in children.

Pediatric cervical spine clearance: A 10-year evaluation of multidetector computed tomography at a level 1 pediatric trauma center.

Efficient and accurate evaluation of the pediatric cervical spine (c-spine) for both injury identification and posttraumatic clearance remains a challenge. We aimed to determine the sensitivity of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for identification of cervical spine injuries (CSIs) in pediatric blunt trauma patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a level 1 pediatric trauma center from 2012 to 2021. All pediatric trauma patients age younger than 18 years who underwent c-spine imaging (plain radiograph, MDCT, and/or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were included. All patients with abnormal MRIs but normal MDCTs were reviewed by a pediatric spine surgeon to assess specific injury characteristics. A total of 4,477 patients underwent c-spine imaging, and 60 (1.3%) were diagnosed with a clinically significant CSI that required surgery or a halo. These patients were older, more likely to be intubated, have a Glasgow Coma Scale score of <14, and more likely to be transferred in from a referring hospital. One patient with a fracture on radiography and neurologic symptoms got an MRI and no MDCT before operative repair. All other patients who underwent surgery including halo placement for a clinically significant CSI had their injury diagnosed by MDCT, representing a sensitivity of 100%. There were 17 patients with abnormal MRIs and normal MDCTs; none underwent surgery or halo placement. Imaging from these patients was reviewed by a pediatric spine surgeon, and no unstable injuries were identified. Multidetector computed tomography appears to have 100% sensitivity for detecting clinically significant CSIs in pediatric trauma patients, regardless of age or mental status. Forthcoming prospective data will be useful to confirm these results and inform recommendations for whether pediatric c-spine clearance can be safely performed based on the results of a normal MDCT alone. Diagnostic Tests or Criteria; Level IV.

A Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Guideline Leads to Fewer Unnecessary Computed Tomography Scans and Decreased Radiation Exposure.

Physical examination and computed tomography (CT) are useful to rule out cervical spine injury (CSI). Computed tomography scans increase lifetime cancer risk in children from radiation exposure. Most CSI in children occur between the occiput and C4. We developed a cervical spine (C-spine) clearance guideline to reduce unnecessary CTs and radiation exposure in pediatric trauma patients. A pediatric C-spine clearance guideline was implemented in September 2018 at our Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center. Guidance included CT of C1 to C4 to scan only high-yield regions versus the entire C-spine and decrease radiation dose. A retrospective cohort study was conducted comparing preguideline and postguideline of all pediatric trauma patients younger than 8 years screened for CSI from July 2017 to December 2020. Primary endpoints included the following: number of full C-spine and C1 to C4 CT scans and radiation dose. Secondary endpoints were CSI rate and missed CSI. Results were compared using χ 2 and Wilcoxon rank-sum test with P < 0.05 significant. The review identified 726 patients: 273 preguideline and 453 postguideline. A similar rate of total C-spine CTs were done in both groups (23.1% vs 23.4%, P = 0.92). Full C-spine CTs were more common preguideline (22.7% vs 11.9%, P < 0.001), whereas C1 to C4 CT scans were more common post-guideline (11.5% vs 0.4%, P < 0.001). Magnetic resonance imaging utilization and CSIs identified were similar in both groups. The average radiation dose was lower postguideline (114 vs 265 mGy·cm -1 ; P < 0.001). There were no missed CSI. A pediatric C-spine clearance guideline led to increasing CT of C1 to C4 over full C-spine imaging, reducing the radiation dose in children. Level IV, therapeutic.

Variability of Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Protocols: A Systematic Review.

The objective of this study was to better understand the variability that exists in the contemporary pediatric cervical spine (c-spine) clearance protocols and how this variability affects clinical practice and outcomes. Pediatric c-spine injury is a rare but potentially devastating event. In the adult population, validated tools, such as the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria and the Canadian C-spine Rule, are available to aid in safely clearing the c-spine clinically while reducing the utilization of radiography. In the pediatric population, no standardized, validated tool exists, leading to variability in protocols that are put to use. A systematic literature search was conducted in Cochrane, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Web of Science electronic databases from January 1, 2009 until April 30, 2021. Data were extracted from studies that met inclusion criteria. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. There were 19 studies included in this systematic review. From these 19 studies, there were 16 unique protocols, 12 of which (75%) utilized some or all NEXUS criteria. Of the protocols that provided a detailed imaging algorithm (N=14), 12 (85.7%) utilized x-rays as the initial imaging modality. Indications for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging varied widely across the protocols. The rate of x-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging utilization ranged from 16.7% to 97.8%, 5.4% to 100%, and 0% to 100%, respectively. Ten studies evaluated the efficacy of protocol implementation, with 9 (90%) of these studies showing an overall reduction of imaging rates in the postprotocol period. No clinically significant missed injuries were reported in the included studies. Details of c-spine clearance protocols differed significantly across the included studies, but many applied some or all NEXUS criteria. Overall, while variable, protocols served to safely treat pediatric patients without missing any clinically significant c-spine injuries, while reducing radiation exposure.

A Standardized Protocol for Cervical Spine Evaluation in Children Reduces Imaging Utilization: A Pilot Study of the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group Protocol.

Cervical spine injuries (CSI) have the potential to cause severe morbidity in children. Multiple imaging studies are used during evaluation of CSIs but come at a cost, both financially and in radiation exposure. To reduce resource utilization and radiation exposure, we implemented the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group (PCSCWG) standardized protocol (SP) for evaluating CSIs in children. Children below 18 years old presenting with concern for CSI at a level 1 pediatric trauma center were reviewed before (July 2015 to May 2016) and after (November 2017 to June 2018) protocol implementation. Demographics, injuries, and imaging utilization were extracted. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients cleared with clinical exam, and the proportion undergoing x-ray, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance image. The secondary outcome was the estimated difference in imaging charges based on the annual reduction in radiographic studies. During the study 359 children were evaluated for CSIs (248 pre-SP, 111 post-SP). Patients were similar with respect to age, injury severity score, and mechanism of injury. Protocol adherence was 87.4%. The prevalence of CSI was similar in the preprotocol and postprotocol cohorts (2.8% vs. 1.8%, P=0.567). Children treated after protocol implementation were significantly more likely to be cleared by clinical exam (15.3% vs. 43.2%, P<0.001). Significantly fewer children had x-rays (70.2% vs. 55.0%, P=0.005) and computed tomography scans (14.5% vs. 5.4%, P=0.013) in the postprotocol period. There was no difference in the utilization of magnetic resonance image (6.9% vs. 7.2%, P=0.904) or the proportion of children discharged with a cervical collar (10.1% vs. 12.6%, P=0.476). No patients in either group were found to have a previously undiagnosed injury at follow-up. The reduction in radiographic studies translates to an estimated annual reduction in imaging charges of $396,476. The PCSCWG protocol for evaluating CSIs reduced the number of radiographic studies performed and estimated imaging charges while reliably identifying CSIs.

Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance and Immobilization Practice Among Prehospital Emergency Medical Providers: A Statewide Survey.

Pediatric cervical spine injuries are rare but potentially life threatening. Although published guidelines for assessment of such injuries exist, there is less uniformity in its implementation in out-of-hospital settings. Our purpose was to assess the knowledge and practice patterns for pediatric cervical spine immobilization among prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) providers in Arizona. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted (October-December 2018), using an electronic mailing list of certified EMS providers (ground and air) in Arizona. A 20-question structured web-based survey was developed and deployed. One hundred eight EMS stations were contacted with the survey. Sixty-eight providers responded; majority were emergency medical paramedics (73.1%). Most of the stations surveyed did not have a pediatric trauma center (66.2%). When treating children younger than 3 years, half of the respondents stated they did not know of a specific cervical spine clearance criterion; 59.3% felt that cervical spine immobilization was required "sometimes," and 40.0% were unaware of the state's EMS pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithm; 93.9% of EMS providers felt that an age-based algorithm for cervical spine clearance in children would be useful. In this statewide survey involving prehospital EMS providers, we found that pediatric cervical spine clearance and immobilization practices, even within a specific geographic location, remain inconsistent.

Implementation of a pediatric trauma cervical spine clearance pathway.

Pediatric cervical spine injuries are rare events. Missed injuries must be weighed against radiation exposure and excess resource utilization in a young population. A universal pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithm does not exist. The study objective is to determine if care improved after the implementation of a standardized cervical spine clearance pathway by evaluating imaging rates, length of stay, speciality consultation, and injury detection. A multidisciplinary group reviewed relevant literature to develop an algorithm for cervical spine clearance in pediatric trauma patients. We reviewed patient charts 15months before and after implementation. Categorical comparisons were tested with Chi-square. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The pre- and post-implementation groups were homogenous when comparing demographics, mechanism and severity of injury. Using the cervical spine clearance pathway, patients received fewer plain cervical spine radiographs (34% vs 16%), fewer spine speciality consults (28% vs 13%), and more patients were cleared clinically (44% vs 62%) (p < 0.05). There were 2 (1.7%) documented injuries in the pre-implementation group and 3 (3%) documented injuries in the post-implementation group. There were no missed injuries. Use of a standardized pathway allows more patients' cervical spines to be cleared clinically and better utilizes resources without compromising patient care. Level III. Care Management Study.

Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance: A Consensus Statement and Algorithm from the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group

BACKGROUND: One recent survey of Level One Pediatric Trauma Centers shows only 46% of institutions utilize a standardized, written pediatric cervical spine clearance protocol. This study aims to create an expert, multi-disciplinary consensus statement and algorithm for pediatric cervical spine clearance by employing a modified Delphi method. METHODS: The Pediatric Cervical Spine Working Group is comprised of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons (n=15), pediatric emergency medicine physicians (n=3), pediatric trauma …

Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance: A Consensus Statement and Algorithm from the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group

Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance: A Consensus Statement and Algorithm from the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group

Pediatric Trauma

Children have unique anatomy and physiologic responses to trauma that create different challenges for their management. It is important to follow the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) algorithm for assessing and treating a pediatric trauma patient, paying close attention to the primary survey. Once the primary survey is accomplished with adequate stabilization, the secondary survey proceeds with a focus on specific injuries. Head trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality (M+M) in children. Early identification and prevention of secondary injury are important to optimize outcomes. The head and neck anatomic differences in a child cause a higher fulcrum of their cervical spine, leading to higher cervical spine injuries (CSIs). CSI is rare but carries a higher M+M due to higher spinal cord injuries. The National Emergency X-radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) and Canadian C-spine Rule (CCR) are useful decision rules to clear cervical spines in adults but have limited strength in young children. PECARN has derived a pediatric cervical spine clearance rule, but this has yet to be prospectively validated. Similar to CSIs, thoracic injuries in children are rare but carry a higher M+M due to anatomic differences in children. A child’s chest anatomy and increased compliance cause more difficulty in injury identification. Abdominal trauma is common in children and can also be difficult to identify. Unlike adults, children can compensate for blood loss much longer while maintaining their blood pressure. Serial abdominal examinations are useful when imaging is negative and a patient has persistent symptoms. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 18 tables, and 92 references. Key words: abdominal trauma, Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), cervical spine injury, head trauma, National Emergency X-radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS), Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), thoracic trauma, traumatic brain injury

Cervical Spine Clearance in Pediatric Trauma Centers: The Need for Standardization and an Evidence-based Protocol.

Cervical spine clearance in the pediatric trauma patient represents a particularly challenging task. Unfortunately, standardized clearance protocols for pediatric cervical clearance are poorly reported in the literature and imaging recommendations demonstrate considerable variability. With the use of a web-based survey, this study aims to define the methods utilized by pediatric trauma centers throughout North America. Specific attention was given to the identification of personnel responsible for cervical spine care, diagnostic imaging modalities used, and the presence or absence of a written pediatric cervical spine clearance protocol. A 10-question electronic survey was given to members of the newly formed Pediatric Cervical Spine Study Group, all of whom are active POSNA members. The survey was submitted via the online service SurveyMonkey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7NVVQZR). The survey assessed the respondent's institution demographics, such as trauma level and services primarily responsible for consultation and operative management of cervical spine injuries. In addition, respondents were asked to identify the protocols and primary imaging modality used for cervical spine clearance. Finally, respondents were asked if their institution had a documented cervical spine clearance protocol. Of the 25 separate institutions evaluated, 21 were designated as level 1 trauma centers. Considerable variation was reported with regards to the primary service responsible for cervical spine clearance. General Surgery/Trauma (44%) is most commonly the primary service, followed by a rotating schedule (33%), Neurosugery (11%), and Orthopaedic Surgery (8%). Spine consults tend to be seen most commonly by a rotating schedule of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery. The majority of responding institutions utilize computed tomographic imaging (46%) as the primary imaging modality, whereas 42% of hospitals used x-ray primarily. The remaining institutions reported using a combination of x-ray and computed tomographic imaging. Only 46% of institutions utilize a written, standardized pediatric cervical spine clearance protocol. This study demonstrates a striking variability in the use of personnel, imaging modalities and, most importantly, standardized protocol in the evaluation of the pediatric trauma patient with a potential cervical spine injury. Cervical spine clearance protocols have been shown to decrease the incidence of missed injuries, minimize excessive radiation exposure, decrease the time to collar removal, and lower overall associated costs. It is our opinion that development of a task force or multicenter research protocol that incorporates existing evidence-based literature is the next best step in improving the care of children with cervical spine injuries. Level 4-economic and decision analyses.

The sensitivity and negative predictive value of a pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithm that minimizes computerized tomography

BackgroundIt is crucial to identify cervical spine injuries while minimizing ionizing radiation. This study analyzes the sensitivity and negative predictive value of a pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithm. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all children <21years old who were admitted following blunt trauma and underwent cervical spine clearance utilizing our institution's cervical spine clearance algorithm over a 10-year period. Age, gender, International Classification of Diseases 9th Edition diagnosis codes, presence or absence of cervical collar on arrival, Injury Severity Score, and type of cervical spine imaging obtained were extracted from the trauma registry and electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics were used and the sensitivity and negative predictive value of the algorithm were calculated. ResultsApproximately 125,000 children were evaluated in the Emergency Department and 11,331 were admitted. Of the admitted children, 1023 patients arrived in a cervical collar without advanced cervical spine imaging and were evaluated using the cervical spine clearance algorithm. Algorithm sensitivity was 94.4% and the negative predictive value was 99.9%. There was one missed injury, a spinous process tip fracture in a teenager maintained in a collar. ConclusionsOur algorithm was associated with a low missed injury rate and low CT utilization rate, even in children <3years old.Level of Evidence: IV.

TF5 Practical Aspects in Pediatric Trauma

A needs assessment was conducted and senior UCSF-SFGH emergency medicine (EM) residents reported feeling under prepared in managing severely injured pediatric trauma patients and felt like there was too much practice variation in pediatric cervical spine clearance and application of Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) head rules. This module fills that void and acts as a supplement to the existing trauma curriculum. Upon completion of this supplementary module emergency medicine PGY1-4 residents will be able to 1) state the indication and demonstrate comfort with various interventions in pediatric trauma resuscitation; 2) apply PECARN head rules to their everyday practice for minor head injuries and engage parents in shared medical decision making regarding imaging; and 3) discuss the differences between clearing the pediatric cervical spine and adult cervical spine and identify pediatric specific cervical spine injuries. This is a supplementary three-and-a-half hour pediatric trauma curriculum. It is not meant as a standalone, but rather embedded into the UCSF-SFGH existing residency weekly conference trauma block that spans four weeks and 16 hours. It is composed of 1) a 90-minute pediatric trauma resuscitation small group skills session where learners rotate between three 30-minute stations with two instructors at each station complete with pre-requisite readings and a procedure video; 2) a 60 minute mixed level learner small group self-guided Jeopardy session on pediatric cervical spine injury; and 3) a 60-minute PowerPoint lecture on the PECARN approach to pediatric head injuries. Both 60-minute sessions will give experts (pediatric EM faculty who speak on these subjects nationally) a chance to discuss nuances and the more controversial points on the subject. Residents are evaluated on procedural skills during their small group sessions and receive feedback on their head injury counseling during sessions in addition to evaluation through a brief multiple choice quiz at the end of the module. The module was well received and residents found all three sessions useful in their approach to and management of pediatric trauma patients. This module should continue to be provided in the residency curriculum as it fills a void in knowledge and application of pediatric-specific trauma resuscitation topics. In evaluation of the module learners reported the material covered in the 90-minute procedural skills workshop would be best solidified by a high-fidelity simulation case.

Implementation of pediatric cervical spine clearance guidelines at a combined trauma center: Twelve-month impact.

Pediatric cervical spine clearance guidelines should reduce computed tomography (CT) usage in combined pediatric and adult trauma centers biased by adult CT clearance. Cervical spine clearance under age 15 years was compared 12 months before (128 patients) and after (105 patients) guideline implementation, emphasizing National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria when appropriate. CT scans in patients clearable by NEXUS criteria decreased 23% (p = 0.01) and decreased by 16% in cases where radiography other than CT was indicated by guidelines (p = 0.01). Guideline implementation can have an immediate effect in decreasing pediatric cervical spine CT usage and should improve across time. Care management study, level IV.

Utility of STIR MRI in pediatric cervical spine clearance after trauma

Although MRI with short-term T1 inversion recovery (STIR) sequencing has been widely adopted in the clearance of cervical spine in adults who have sustained trauma, its applicability for cervical spine clearance in pediatric trauma patients remains unclear. The authors sought to review a Level 1 trauma center's experience using MRI for posttraumatic evaluation of the cervical spine in pediatric patients. A pediatric trauma database was retrospectively queried for patients who received an injury warranting radiographic imaging of the cervical spine and had a STIR-MRI sequence of the cervical spine performed within 48 hours of injury between 2002 and 2011. Demographic, radiographic, and outcome data were retrospectively collected through medical records. Seventy-three cases were included in the analysis. The mean duration of follow-up was 10 months (range 4 days-7 years). The mean age of the patients at the time of trauma evaluation was 8.3 ± 5.8 years, and 65% were male. The majority of patients were involved in a motor vehicle accident. In 70 cases, the results of MRI studies were negative, and the patients were cleared prior to discharge with no clinical suggestion of instability on follow-up. In 3 cases, the MRI studies had abnormal findings; 2 of these 3 patients were cleared with dynamic radiographs during the same admission. Only 1 patient had an unstable injury and required surgical stabilization. The sensitivity of STIR MRI to detect cervical instability was 100% with a specificity of 97%. The positive predictive value was 33% and the negative predictive value was 100%. Although interpretation of our results are diminished by limitations of the study, in our series, STIR MRI in routine screening for pediatric cervical trauma had a high sensitivity and slightly lower specificity, but may have utility in future practices and should be considered for implementation into protocols.

Pediatric cervical spine clearance: A review and understanding of the concepts

Spinal injuries to children account for somewhere between 1% and 10% of all spinal trauma. Evaluations of cervical spine injuries required multidisciplinary approach for definitive management. Knowing which patients are at highest risk for injuries will undoubtedly influence decisions on how aggressively to pursue a potential cervical spine injury. This can be achieved by establishing a multidisciplinary team that provides standards for cervical spine immobilization, assessment, and clearance. Implementation of such guidelines will decrease time for cervical spine clearance and incidence of missed injuries. In this article different aspect of cervical spine injuries and cervical spine clearance protocols are reviewed.

A pediatric cervical spine clearance protocol to reduce radiation exposure in children

BackgroundTo minimize radiation exposure in children and reduce resource use, we implemented an age-specific algorithm to evaluate cervical spine injuries at a Level 1 trauma center. The effects of protocol implementation on computed tomography (CT) use in children (≤ 10 y) were determined. MethodsWith institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective review using the institutional trauma registry. All pediatric patients (≤ 10 y) (n = 324) between January 2007 and present were reviewed. We excluded cases in which no imaging or outside imaging was performed. Patients were evaluated by physical exam alone, with the aid of plain radiograms or with cervical spine CT. All patients who required head CT also had CT of cervical spine to C3. We analyzed demographic, injury, and outcome data using STATA to perform chi-square and t-test, and to determine P value. P < 0.05 was defined as significant. We used the WinDose program to calculate the radiation-effective dose used in cervical spine CT. ResultsThere were 123 and 124 patients in the pre-protocol and post-protocol groups, respectively. Demographics, GCS, and injury analysis, specifically head–neck and face Injury Severity Scores showed no significant difference between groups. There was a 60% (P < 0.001) decrease in the use of full CTs after protocol implementation. We estimated that the protocol reduced the exposed area by 50% and decreased the radiation dose to the thyroid by > 80%. We extrapolated the combined effect results in a threefold reduction in radiation exposure. ConclusionsImplementation of a cervical spine protocol led to a significant reduction in radiation exposure among children.

Theoretical increase of thyroid cancer induction from cervical spine multidetector computed tomography in pediatric trauma patients

The trend of increasing cervical spine multidirectional computed tomography (MDCT) imaging of pediatric trauma patients is characteristic of the overall dramatic increase in computed tomography utilization in the United States. The purpose of this study is to compare the amount of radiation a pediatric trauma patient absorbs to the thyroid from plain radiographs and MDCT of the cervical spine and to express risk by calculation of theoretical thyroid cancer induction. A retrospective evaluation of pediatric trauma patients admitted from October 1, 2004, to October 31, 2009, was performed at an academic, Level I trauma center. Inclusion criteria were Level I/II trauma patients, cervical spine imaging performed at our institution, and age <18 years. Absorbed thyroid radiation was calculated for patients receiving plain radiographs or MDCT. Thyroid cancer risk was calculated using the 2006 Biological Effects on Ionizing Radiation VII report. Six hundred seventeen patients met inclusion criteria: 224 received cervical spine radiographs and 393 received cervical spine MDCT. The mean thyroid radiation absorbed from radiographs was 0.90 mGy for males and 0.96 mGy for females compared with 63.6 mGy (males) and 64.2 mGy (females) receiving MDCT (p < 0.001). The median excess relative risk of thyroid cancer induction from one cervical spine MDCT in males was 13.0% and females was 25.0%, compared with 0.24% (males) and 0.51% (females) for radiographs (p < 0.001). The significant difference in radiation that MDCT delivers to the pediatric trauma patient when compared with plain radiographs should temper routine use of computed tomography in pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithms.

Trauma Association of Canada Pediatric Subcommittee National Pediatric Cervical Spine Evaluation Pathway: Consensus Guidelines

The Institute of Medicine calls for the use of clinical guidelines and practice parameters to promote "best practices" and improve patient outcomes. In 2006, The Trauma Association of Canada Pediatric Committee set out to create an evidence-based, national pediatric cervical spine (c-spine) clearance guideline based on the literature, existing algorithms from each pediatric trauma center and from expert opinion from across Canada. A review of the literature took place in September 2006 using the PubMed database. Search criteria were "cervical spine," "c-spine," "clearance," and "trauma." Limits that were applied were "Languages: English," "Humans," "Type of Article: Meta-Analysis, Practice Guidelines, Randomized Control Trial, Review," and "Ages: all child 0-18 years." These search criteria were repeated in December 2007, April 2009, and October 2009. A total of 248 articles were identified. Existing guidelines were identified and their practices examined as models of care. Two draft guidelines were created for discussion: one for the pediatric patient with a reliable clinical examination and the other for the pediatric patient with an unreliable clinical examination. Via email, telephone, and two national videoconferences, the content of the guidelines was reviewed, discussed, and amended. The final article was prepared and circulated for author input until consensus was reached. A consensus was reached on two pathways to evaluate the pediatric cervical spine: a patient with a reliable clinical examination and a patient with an unreliable examination. Presented herein are the consensus Trauma Association of Canada, National Pediatric Cervical Spine Evaluation Pathways for the patient with a reliable clinical examination, and the patient with and unreliable clinical examination.

Cervical Spine Clearance in the Nonalert, Noncommunicative, or Unreliable Pediatric Blunt Trauma Patient

Currently, there is no nationally recognized evidence-based guideline or protocol for cervical spine clearance in nonalert, noncommunicative, or unreliable pediatric blunt trauma patients. This descriptive survey study sought to identify current practices and elicit expert opinion data regarding pediatric cervical spine clearance in a specialized population of children in trauma centers in the United States. A 93-item electronic Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Survey was sent to 309 members of the Pediatric Special Interest Group of the National Society of Trauma Nurses. The main areas of interest in the survey included trauma verification, annual volume of pediatric trauma cases, and sequence and time frames of diagnostic testing for cervical spine clearance by age group. Additional areas of interest were perceived supports and barriers to meeting target time frames for diagnostic testing and outcomes to evaluate the impact of a cervical spine clearance guideline for pediatric blunt trauma. The results from 44 respondents demonstrate that trauma centers are using a variety of diagnostic testing sequences and time frames when clearing children for suspected cervical spine injury.