Abstract
Background: Cervical spine injuries are difficult to diagnose in children. They tend
to occur in different locations than in adults, and they are more difficult to identify
based on history or physical examination. As a result, children are often subjected
to radiographic examinations to rule out cervical spine injury. Objectives: This two-part
series will review the classic cervical spine injuries encountered in children based
on age and presentation. Part I will discuss the mechanisms of injury, clinical presentations,
and the use of different imaging modalities, including X-ray studies and computed
tomography (CT). Part II discusses management of these injuries and special considerations,
including the role of magnetic resonance imaging, as well as injuries unique to children.
Discussion: Although X-ray studies have relatively low risks associated with their
use, they do not identify all injuries. In contrast, CT has higher sensitivity but
has greater radiation, and its use is more appropriate in children over 8 years of
age. Conclusion: With knowledge of cervical spine anatomy and the characteristic injuries
seen at different stages of development, emergency physicians can make informed decisions
about the appropriate modalities for diagnosis of pediatric cervical spine injuries.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 21, 2010
Accepted:
November 22,
2009
Received in revised form:
September 17,
2009
Received:
June 2,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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- Cervical Spine Injuries in Children, Part II: Management and Special ConsiderationsJournal of Emergency MedicineVol. 41Issue 3
- PreviewBackground: The diagnosis and management of cervical spine injury is more complex in children than in adults. Objectives: Part I of this series stressed the importance of tailoring the evaluation of cervical spine injuries based on age, mechanism of injury, and physical examination findings. Part II will discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the management of pediatric cervical spine injuries in the emergency department. Discussion: Children have several common variations in their anatomy, such as pseudosubluxation of C2–C3, widening of the atlantodens interval, and ossification centers, that can appear concerning on imaging but are normal.
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