title: Cervical spine computed tomography imaging artifact affecting clinical decision-making in the traumatized patient.
abstract: CT scanning is an important tool in the evaluation of trauma patients. We review a case involving a trauma patient in which a cervical spine computed tomography (CT) artifact affected decision-making by physicians. The CT artifact mimicked bilateral dislocated facets (51-B1.1). On the basis of CT findings, the patient was transferred to a different hospital for evaluation. Discrepancy between the primary CT scan and patient physical exam prompted secondary CT scans and X-ray evaluation; neither of these studies showed osseous abnormalities. This case reinforces the necessity for physicians to formulate their diagnosis based upon multiple areas of information including physical examination, plain x-ray and subsequent advanced imaging, rather than relying solely on advanced imaging.
authors.affiliation: American Health Network, Indy Bone and Spine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Aaron C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Coats
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Nies
authors.affiliation: River Valley Orthopedics, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rispler
keywords: Artifact; cervical spine; computed tomography; discrepancy; osseous abnormality; physical examination.