In the radiologic assessment of interbody fusion using carbon fiber cages, the use of plain radiographs and flexion-extension radiographs produced much higher fusion rates than assessment with thin-section helical computed tomography scans. The thin-section helical computed tomography studies clearly demonstrated the radiographic presence or absence of bridging bone, a property that was not seen with plain static radiographs or flexion-extension radiographs.

Although distraction-flexion cervical spine injuries are common in adults and often occur with concomitant neurologic sequelae, they also can occur in the pediatric patient. Whereas these injuries require surgery in adults, they can be managed nonoperatively in the pediatric population.