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Publication Date
8-2026
Disclaimer
These guidelines do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare guidelines for each. Accordingly, these guidelines should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.
Objective of the Clinical Pathway
To provide evidence-informed care standards for the pediatric trauma patient with concern for cervical spine injury, or who has a cervical collar placed. The Cervical Spine Clearance Clinical Pathway aims to guide decision making in the evaluation and use of diagnostic imaging to clear the cervical spine.
Target Users
Physicians (Emergency Medicine, Intensivists, Hospitalists, Fellows, Resident Physicians); Advanced Practice Providers; Nurses; Spine Consult Service (Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Fellows, Rotating Residents, Advanced Practice Providers)
Disciplines
Pediatrics
Recommended Citation
Children's Mercy Kansas City, "Trauma: Cervical Spine Clearance" (2026). Clinical Pathways.
https://scholarlyexchange.childrensmercy.org/clinical_pathways/65
Comments
Clinical Pathways promote evidence based, safe, and high-value care for patients by providing clinical recommendations and standard processes. They are developed by multidisciplinary committees of subject matter experts, informed by methodical review of available evidence and consensus among committee members.