AOSpine subaxial cervical spine injury classification system

Eur Spine J. 2016 Jul;25(7):2173-84. doi: 10.1007/s00586-015-3831-3. Epub 2015 Feb 26.

Abstract

Purpose: This project describes a morphology-based subaxial cervical spine traumatic injury classification system. Using the same approach as the thoracolumbar system, the goal was to develop a comprehensive yet simple classification system with high intra- and interobserver reliability to be used for clinical and research purposes.

Methods: A subaxial cervical spine injury classification system was developed using a consensus process among clinical experts. All investigators were required to successfully grade 10 cases to demonstrate comprehension of the system before grading 30 additional cases on two occasions, 1 month apart. Kappa coefficients (κ) were calculated for intraobserver and interobserver reliability.

Results: The classification system is based on three injury morphology types similar to the TL system: compression injuries (A), tension band injuries (B), and translational injuries (C), with additional descriptions for facet injuries, as well as patient-specific modifiers and neurologic status. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability was substantial for all injury subtypes (κ = 0.75 and 0.64, respectively).

Conclusions: The AOSpine subaxial cervical spine injury classification system demonstrated substantial reliability in this initial assessment, and could be a valuable tool for communication, patient care and for research purposes.

Keywords: AOSpine; Cervical; Classification; Injury; Spine; Subaxial; Trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Consensus
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neck Injuries / classification
  • Neck Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / classification*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures / classification*
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Injuries / classification
  • Spinal Injuries / diagnostic imaging