Reliability of classification systems for subaxial cervical injuries

Abstract

There is no universally accepted classification scheme for subaxial cervical-spine injuries. A useful classification system must have excellent reliability to consistently and accurately describe injury patterns between different observers and allow for comparison across systems or cohorts. Both the CSISS and the SLIC and severity scale are promising classification systems with excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Future studies will need to determine if their quantitative scores correlate with management and clinical outcomes.