Angulation of the pediatric cervical spine with and without cervical collar.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether semirigid cervical collars eliminate cervical spine (CS) flexion in children on back boards.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
An urban pediatric emergency department.


METHODS
Eighteen head-injured children < 8 years of age undergoing CS radiographs.


METHODS
Children were secured to back boards, and semirigid cervical collars were applied. Following CS clearance, the collar was removed, and an additional lateral film without collar was obtained. C2-C6 lateral Cobb angles were measured on both lateral films.


RESULTS
Mean flexion with collar was 3.4 +/- 9.9 degrees and 5.6 +/- 6.8 degrees without a collar P > 0.05


CONCLUSIONS
Most children < 8 years, when immobilized on back boards have flexed CSs. Semirigid cervical collars do not eliminate flexion. Further study is needed to develop and test different methods of CS immobilization as present equipment is unable to position the CS optimally.
Treloar
D J
DJ
Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
Nypaver
M
M
D000367:Age Factors; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography