Utilization of CT imaging in minor pediatric head, thoracic, and abdominal trauma in the United States

This retrospective study analyzed CT utilization patterns in 257,661 pediatric trauma patients, finding significant overuse of head (7-46%), chest (3-13%), and abdominal (6-30%) CT scans in children with minimal or no injuries. Standalone pediatric Level 1 trauma centers demonstrated significantly lower CT rates across all body regions and injury severities, suggesting that broader adoption of evidence-based imaging guidelines could reduce unnecessary radiation exposure in stable pediatric trauma patients.