C Schöneberg1, B Schweiger2, B Hussmann3, M D Kauther3, S Lendemans3, C Waydhas3. 1. Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany. carsten.schoeneberg@uk-essen.de. 2. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany. 3. Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to discuss current knowledge of the diagnostic management of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries in children. METHODS: Studies dealing with this topic were collected from the following sources: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Where possible, a meta-analysis was performed. Furthermore, the level of evidence for all the included publications was assigned. RESULTS: The incidence of cervical spine injury (CSI) in children is rare (1.39 %). It seems that the upper c-spine is more often injured in children younger than 8 years of age. When a CSI is expected, immobilization should be performed. The best immobilization is achieved with a combination of a half-spine board, rigid collar, and tape. The literature for thoracic elevation or an occipital recess in children younger than 8 years of age is inhomogeneous. The c-spine in children can be cleared by a combination of the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) low-risk criteria and the Canadian C-Spine Rule. Caution is advised for nonverbal and/or unconscious children. In these children, plain radiographs should be performed. If these images are inadequate or show hints for bony injuries, a computed tomography (CT) of the c-spine should be considered. Additional views of the c-spine offer only little information for clearing the c-spine.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to discuss current knowledge of the diagnostic management of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries in children. METHODS: Studies dealing with this topic were collected from the following sources: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Where possible, a meta-analysis was performed. Furthermore, the level of evidence for all the included publications was assigned. RESULTS: The incidence of cervical spine injury (CSI) in children is rare (1.39 %). It seems that the upper c-spine is more often injured in children younger than 8 years of age. When a CSI is expected, immobilization should be performed. The best immobilization is achieved with a combination of a half-spine board, rigid collar, and tape. The literature for thoracic elevation or an occipital recess in children younger than 8 years of age is inhomogeneous. The c-spine in children can be cleared by a combination of the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) low-risk criteria and the Canadian C-Spine Rule. Caution is advised for nonverbal and/or unconscious children. In these children, plain radiographs should be performed. If these images are inadequate or show hints for bony injuries, a computed tomography (CT) of the c-spine should be considered. Additional views of the c-spine offer only little information for clearing the c-spine.
Authors: Anthony M Avellino; Fred A Mann; M Sean Grady; Jens R Chapman; Richard G Ellenbogen; Tord D Alden; Sohail K Mirza Journal: Childs Nerv Syst Date: 2004-12-18 Impact factor: 1.475
Authors: Richard C E Anderson; Peter Kan; Monique Vanaman; Jeanne Rubsam; Kristine W Hansen; Eric R Scaife; Douglas L Brockmeyer Journal: J Neurosurg Pediatr Date: 2010-03 Impact factor: 2.375