ABSTRACT
In an age of rapid technological advances and exponential growth in the number of tools available to clinicians, it has become increasingly important to determine when and how to use differing imaging modalities. Delivering high-quality care to injured patients requires rapid, accurate diagnoses, a need that has come to depend on radiologic studies. The pediatric population is no different, but presents additional challenges, including the potential long-term consequences of radiation exposure and logistical challenges such as patient size and cooperation. This chapter discusses clinical algorithms and guidelines developed to maximize patient benefit while also limiting failures in timely and accurate diagnosis, excessive exposure to potentially harmful procedures, and unnecessary medical costs. Modern pediatric hospitals and trauma centers have become efficient in the initial management of critically injured patients, and many tasks are performed simultaneously. Caring for injured children requires striking a balance between maximizing the amount of useful information available to help direct management and unnecessary harm and resource utilization.
