Pediatric cervical spine: normal anatomy, variants, and trauma.
Emergency radiologic evaluation of the pediatric cervical spine can be challenging because of the confusing appearance of synchondroses, normal anatomic variants, and injuries that are unique to children. Cervical spine injuries in children are usually seen in the upper cervical region owing to the unique biomechanics and anatomy of the pediatric cervical spine. Knowledge of the normal embryologic development and anatomy of the cervical spine is important to avoid mistaking synchondroses for fractures in the setting of trauma. Familiarity with anatomic variants is also important for correct image interpretation. These variants include pseudosubluxation, absence of cervical lordosis, wedging of the C3 vertebra, widening of the predental space, prevertebral soft-tissue widening, intervertebral widening, and "pseudo-Jefferson fracture." In addition, familiarity with mechanisms of injury and appropriate imaging modalities will aid in the correct interpretation of radiologic images of the pediatric cervical spine.
Department of Radiology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, 270-05 76th Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Elizabeth Susan
ES
Lustrin
Sabiha Pinar
SP
Karakas
A Orlando
AO
Ortiz
Jay
J
Cinnamon
Mauricio
M
Castillo
Kirubahara
K
Vaheesan
James H
JH
Brown
Alan S
AS
Diamond
Karen
K
Black
Sudha
S
Singh
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*