title: Cervical spine clearance in obtunded patients after severe polytrauma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide clinicians with data supporting three different clearance techniques in the obtunded patients after severe polytrauma.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study gave an overview of the available and pertinent literature regarding cervical spine clearance in obtunded patients after severe polytrauma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Currently, there were three accepted techniques for clearance of the cervical spine in obtunded patients after severe polytrauma. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages to both of the patients and the clinicians.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are continuous improvements in both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that increase their sensitivities. The continued use of plain radiographs is called into question with respect to cost and time requirements. An algorithmic approach to the evaluation of the cervical spine in the obtunded patients will lead to fewer missed injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China. shenhxgk@126.com
authors.forename: Hong-Xing
authors.initials: HX
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010808:Physical Examination; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014474:Unconsciousness