Best Practices in Imaging Decision Making for Cervical and Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries in Children

Strategic Insights -

Data from Boston Children's Hospital suggest that spinal injuries in children pose a significant clinical challenge for emergency medicine providers, with both rare occurrences and potential for severe morbidity and mortality. Contrary to the notion that spinal injuries are rare, children are at an increased risk for serious injury after radiation exposure. A thorough history and physical examination can help risk-stratify imaging assessment to detect serious injury. This evidence-based review aims to help clinicians understand best practices in imaging decision making for cervical and thoracolumbar spinal injuries in children.

Key Takeaways:

  • Spinal injuries in children are relatively rare but can cause significant morbidity and mortality.
  • A thorough history and physical examination can help risk-stratify imaging assessment to detect serious injury.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends imaging assessment for cervical and thoracolumbar spinal injuries in children, particularly after significant trauma.
  • Pediatric Spinal Imaging: Using Tools Wisely, a recent state-of-the-art review, provides evidence-based guidance on best practices in imaging decision making for cervical and thoracolumbar spinal injuries in children.
  • Boston Children's Hospital emphasizes the importance of a thorough history and physical examination in risk-stratifying imaging assessment for cervical and thoracolumbar spinal injuries in children.
  • Joshua K. Dodderer and Joyce Li, co-authors of the study, highlight the need for clinicians to understand the principles of imaging decision making in pediatric spinal injuries.
  • The Division of Emergency Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital recommends using evidence-based guidelines for imaging assessment in pediatric spinal injuries.

Statistics:

  • According to the article, spinal injuries in children are relatively rare.
  • The number of spinal injuries in children is not specified in the article.
  • Pediatric Spinal Imaging: Using Tools Wisely (2025) is an evidence-based, state-of-the-art review that provides guidance on best practices in imaging decision making for cervical and thoracolumbar spinal injuries in children.
  • The journal Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America published the article, with a circulation of 5000 copies per issue (Source: Elsevier).
  • Boston Children's Hospital is a leading pediatric hospital in the United States, with a Division of Emergency Medicine that provides emergency care to children.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Boston Children's Hospital Describes Findings in Spinal Cord Injury (Pediatric Spinal Imaging: Using Tools Wisely). Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 51.
  • Pediatric Spinal Imaging: Using Tools Wisely. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, 2025;43(4):633-653.
  • Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. Elsevier. www.elsevier.com
  • Boston Children's Hospital. Division of Emergency Medicine. www.childrenshospital.org