Facilitating cervical spine radiography in blunt trauma.
The interpretation of cervical spine radiographs is an important facet of the evaluation of blunt trauma victims. The diagnostic accuracy of cervical spine films is dependent upon the technical adequacy of the radiographs and the clinician's diagnostic and interpretive skills. The anxiety inherent in cervical radiographic interpretation by the nonradiologist can be minimized by coupling the use of several simple techniques aimed at enhancing visualization of all cervical spine elements and optimizing bony definitions with an unhurried, methodical radiographic evaluation utilizing a number of radiologic "pearls" in those instances in which injury is less than readily apparent but still suspect.
Emergency Medical Services, Montefiore University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
R J
RJ
Roberge
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D004635:Emergency Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*