Subaxial Injury Classification and Severity Scale (SLICS)

Calculator

When to use

Morphology

No abnormality

Compression

Burst

Distraction such as facet perch, hyperextension)

Rotation/translation such as facet dislocation, unstable teardrop or advance-stage flexion compression injury)

Disco-ligamentous complex

Intact

Indeterminate such as isolated interspinous widening, MRI signal changes only)

Disrupted such as widening of the disk space, facet perch or dislocation, kyphotic deformity)

Neurological status

Intact

Root injury

Complete cord injury

Incomplete cord injury

Root injury with continuous cord compression in setting of neuro deficit

Complete cord injury with continuous cord compression in setting of neuro deficit

Incomplete cord injury with continuous cord compression in setting of neuro deficit

Calculation

Please enter all the required inputs.

The Subaxial Injury Classification and Severity Scale (SLICS) is a clinical calculator used in the management of patients with subaxial cervical spine trauma. This scoring system is designed to guide treatment decisions, specifically between conservative and surgical management. It takes into account three key factors: the morphology of the injury, the integrity of the discoligamentous complex, and the patient's neurological status. The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating a more severe injury. A score of 5 or more typically suggests that surgical intervention may be necessary. The SLICS is not recommended for use in patients with injuries above the subaxial cervical spine (C3 vertebra and above), as it was specifically designed for subaxial injuries (C3-C7).

Reference

Alpesh A Patel, Andrew Dailey, Darrel S Brodke et al. Subaxial cervical spine trauma classification: the Subaxial Injury Classification system and case examples. Neurosurg Focus. 2008;25(5):E8.

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