Template:C-spine Canadian

Canadian Cervical Spine Rule

Algorithm for evaluation of cervical spine injuries (Canadian C-spine Rule)

No High Risk Factors

  • Age >65
  • Dangerous mechanism (fall>3ft/5 stairs, high speed MVC (>60mph)/rollover/ejection, bicycle crash, RV, axial load injury)
  • Parasthesias in extremities

ANY Low Risk Factor

  • Simple rear end MVC
  • Delayed onset of pain
  • Sitting position in ED
  • Ambulatory at any time
  • Absence of midline C-spine tenderness

ROM

  • Rotates neck 45 degrees to left and right

C-spine can be cleared clinically if above criteria met[1] [2]

  1. Stiell IG,et al. The Canadian C-spine rule for radiography in alert and stable trauma patients. JAMA. 2001 Oct 17;286(15):1841-8. EBQ:Canadian C-spine Rule Study
  2. Stiell IG, et al. The Canadian C-spine rule versus the NEXUS low-risk criteria in patients with trauma. N Engl J Med. 2003;349(26):2510-8.