Search
There is no well validated clinical decision rule similar to NEXUS or the Canadian Cervical Spine rule in children for clearing the cervical spine. Clinical clearance versus imaging first is a complicated decision. Certain risk factors may predispose children to injury and should be taken into account when deciding about clinical clearance versus imaging (XR).
High Risk Criteria for Cervical Spine Injury in Pediatrics
| Mechanism
| High risk MVC Intrusion > 12 inches at the occupant site Intrusion > 18 inches at any site Partial or complete ejection Death in the same passenger compartment Vehicle telemetry consistent with high speed Fall > 10 feet Nonaccidental trauma Diving injury |
| History
| Down’s Syndrome 22.q11.2 deletion Klippel-Fiel syndrome |
| Physical Exam
| Altered mental status Intoxication Hypotension Focal neurological exam Neck pain Torticollis |
References
Gopinathan N, Viswanathan V, Crawford A. Cervical Spine Evaluation in Pediatric Trauma: A Review and an Update of Current Concepts. Indian J Orthop 2018;52(5):489-500.
Leonard J, Browne L and Ahmed F et al. Cervical Spine Injury Risk Factors in Children with Blunt Trauma. Pediatrics 2019;144 (1):e20183221.
Kliegman R, Stanton B, St Geme J et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th edition Vol 1 and 2. 2016. Elsevier. P 549-550, 3299-3300, 3352.