A pediatric cervical spine clearance protocol to reduce radiation exposure in children.
BACKGROUND
To minimize radiation exposure in children and reduce resource use, we implemented an age-specific algorithm to evaluate cervical spine injuries at a Level 1 trauma center. The effects of protocol implementation on computed tomography (CT) use in children (≤ 10 y) were determined.


METHODS
With institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective review using the institutional trauma registry. All pediatric patients (≤ 10 y) (n = 324) between January 2007 and present were reviewed. We excluded cases in which no imaging or outside imaging was performed. Patients were evaluated by physical exam alone, with the aid of plain radiograms or with cervical spine CT. All patients who required head CT also had CT of cervical spine to C3. We analyzed demographic, injury, and outcome data using STATA to perform chi-square and t-test, and to determine P value. P < 0.05 was defined as significant. We used the WinDose program to calculate the radiation-effective dose used in cervical spine CT.


RESULTS
There were 123 and 124 patients in the pre-protocol and post-protocol groups, respectively. Demographics, GCS, and injury analysis, specifically head-neck and face Injury Severity Scores showed no significant difference between groups. There was a 60% (P < 0.001) decrease in the use of full CTs after protocol implementation. We estimated that the protocol reduced the exposed area by 50% and decreased the radiation dose to the thyroid by > 80%. We extrapolated the combined effect results in a threefold reduction in radiation exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of a cervical spine protocol led to a significant reduction in radiation exposure among children.
Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery and Pediatric Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. raphaelsun@gmail.com
Raphael
R
Sun
Dionne
D
Skeete
Kristel
K
Wetjen
Michele
M
Lilienthal
Junlin
J
Liao
Mark
M
Madsen
Gabriel
G
Lancaster
Joel
J
Shilyansky
Kent
K
Choi
D000465:Algorithms; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures