Fifteen-minute consultation: The initial assessment of children with a suspected cervical spine injury

Abstract

Cervical spine injury occurs in 1-2% of paediatric trauma cases. Differences in anatomy, size and injury patterns compared with adult patients can make the assessment of cervical spine injuries in children challenging. This article provides an overview of the approach to be taken when assessing a potential cervical spine injury. It also covers the range of available clinical decision aids to help clinicians diagnose cervical spine injuries while safely avoiding unnecessary radiation as much as possible.