Helical CT of the cervical spine for trauma patients: a time study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to determine the time needed to perform a helical CT examination of the entire cervical spine. Our study population included 156 trauma victims: 100 of these patients underwent CT examination in conjunction with a cranial examination; the remaining 56 patients underwent a primary cervical examination only.


CONCLUSIONS
Performing a cervical CT examination in conjunction with a cranial CT examination added an average of 12 min to the overall study time. The time for performing a primary cervical examination was 11 min on average. These times are approximately half of those required for a six-view radiographic evaluation. Helical CT has been suggested as a replacement for the more traditional radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine in trauma victims. Evidence now exists to support that recommendation.
Daffner
R H
RH
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4772, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*