Study aims to reduce unnecessary neck scans in kids

NCT ID NCT05049330

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study involved over 22,000 children who experienced blunt trauma (like car crashes or falls) to develop a tool that helps doctors decide which kids truly need neck immobilization and imaging. The goal is to avoid unnecessary X-rays and CT scans, which expose children to radiation and can cause anxiety. The tool is based on medical records and aims to identify those at real risk of cervical spine injury while sparing others from unnecessary procedures.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this tool could help emergency responders and doctors decide which children truly need spinal immobilization and imaging, reducing harm from unnecessary procedures.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The tool needs further testing in real-world settings before it can be widely used.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Boston Children's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • CS Mott Children's Hospital

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

  • Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States

  • Children's Hospital Colorado

    Denver, Colorado, 80045, United States

  • Children's Hospital Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, California, 90027, United States

  • Children's Hospital UC Davis Health

    Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • Children's National Medical Center

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20310, United States

  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States

  • Medical College of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States

  • Nationwide Children's Hospital

    Columbus, Ohio, 43205, United States

  • Primary Children's Medical Center

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84113, United States

  • Texas Children's Hospital

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • The Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

  • UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

    Oakland, California, 94609, United States

  • UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States

  • UT Southwestern Medical Center

    Dallas, Pennsylvania, 75235, United States

  • Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

    St Louis, Missouri, 63130, United States