Dr Sumit MandalEmergency Medicine
Trauma / Spine

Canadian C-Spine Rule

Step-by-step decision tool for cervical spine clearance in alert (GCS 15), stable trauma patients. Determines whether radiographic imaging is required.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

All must be met before applying the Canadian C-Spine Rule

  • Alert patient (GCS = 15)
  • Stable vital signs
  • Age 16 years or older (not validated in children)
  • Acute trauma

Does this patient meet ALL prerequisites?

Based on Stiell IG et al. NEJM2003;349:2510-2518. Enhanced with clinical pearls by Dr Sumit Mandal. For educational purposes only — always use clinical judgement.