Diagnostic imaging of cervical spine injuries following blunt trauma: a review of the literature and practical guideline.
Patients with a (potential) cervical spine injury can be subdivided into low-risk and high-risk patients. With a detailed history and physical examination the cervical spine of patients in the "low-risk" group can be "cleared" without further radiographic examinations. X-ray imaging (3-view series) is currently the primary choice of imaging for patients in the "low-risk" group with a suspected cervical spine injury after blunt trauma. For patients in the "high-risk"group because of its higher sensitivity a computed tomography scan is primarily advised or, alternatively, the cervical spine is immobilised until the patient can be reliably questioned and examined again. For the imaging of traumatic soft tissue injuries of the cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging is the technique of choice.
Saltzherr
T P
TP
Trauma Unit Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Fung Kon Jin
P H P
PH
Beenen
L F M
LF
Vandertop
W P
WP
Goslings
J C
JC
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis*