Purpose or Case Report: 1. Review frequency, relative severity, and age-related mechanisms of pediatric C-spine injuries.
2. Explore peculiarities of the pediatric cervical spine that predispose to different injury patterns than seen with adults.
3. Examine postnatal pattern of cervical spinal ossification.
4. Inspect the craniocervical junction anatomy, its ligamentous support and classic injury patterns.
5. Discuss available imaging recommendations in the workup of pediatric patients with suspected C-spine trauma.
6. Consider select patient scenarios of classic pediatric c-spine injuries.
Methods & Materials: 1. Display educational information meeting the objectives listed above based on a thorough literature review of available published material on pediatric cervical spine injuries as well as review into existing imaging guideliness for managing suspected pediatric C-spine trauma.
2. Display images made on Adobe Photoshop to help the reader better understand the complex anatomy and post-natal ossification of the pediatric C-spine.
3. Present concise tables that will help to understand the unique characteristics of the pediatric cervical spine which predispose to different injury patterns than seen with adults and the various clinical rules available to guide imaging when there is suspected pediatric C-spine trauma.
4. Examine a few classic patient scenarios of pediatric c-spine injuries where patient information is anonymized.
Results: An educational exihibit which contains information for the following objectives will be presented using the MIcrosoft Powerpoint application:
1. Review frequency, relative severity, and age-related mechanisms of pediatric C-spine injuries.
2. Explore unique characteristics of the pediatric cervical spine that predispose to different injury patterns than seen with adults.
3. Examine postnatal pattern of cervical spinal ossification.
4. Inspect the craniocervical junction anatomy, its ligamentous support and classic CCJ injury patterns.
5. Discuss available imaging recommendations in the workup of pediatric patients with suspected traumatic C-spine injury.
6. Consider select patient scenarios of classic pediatric c-spine injuries.
Conclusions: Although uncommon pediatric cervical spine injuries can be devastating with higher associated mortality and morbidity including higher rates of craniocervical junction injuries than seen with adults. This educational exhibit will educate and enable its reviewers to be more comfortable and well versed in interpreting and managing pediatric C-spine trauma imaging.