ToolsCalculators
PECARN cervical-spine injury prediction rule
Risk factors for cervical-spine injury in injured children.
PECARN cervical-spine injury prediction rule
Altered mental status (GCS < 15, AVPU below alert, agitation, other signs)
Focal neurologic deficit
Neck pain
Torticollis
Substantial torso injury
Predisposing condition (e.g. Down syndrome, prior c-spine injury)
Diving mechanism
High-risk motor-vehicle crash
ResultNo risk factors
No factors present — very low risk of cervical-spine injury; imaging generally not required.
When to use
- Risk-stratifying children after blunt trauma for cervical-spine injury.
Formula
Eight factors: altered mental status, focal neurologic deficit, neck pain, torticollis, substantial torso injury, predisposing condition, diving, high-risk MVC. Presence of any is not low risk.