Implementation of pediatric cervical spine clearance guidelines at a combined trauma center: Twelve-month impact.
case_series · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 26151510.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1097/TA.0000000000000643.
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Abstract
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.
Medical subject headings
- Cervical Vertebrae
- Clinical Protocols
- Spinal Injuries
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Trauma Centers