CT catches these too: Characterizing pediatric cervical spine injuries managed with rigid collars

A substantial proportion of pediatric CSI patients are managed nonoperatively with rigid collars due to persistent symptoms. CT identified all patients needing further evaluation, and MRI clarified soft tissue injuries in symptomatic cases. Spine surgeon review confirmed these injuries were not unstable and did not require surgery. These findings highlight CT as an effective screening tool, the value of MRI in select cases, and the importance of clinical judgment and multidisciplinary evaluation in managing children discharged in collars.