Helical Computed Tomography Alone Compared With Plain Radiographs With Adjunct Computed Tomography to Evaluate the Cervical Spine After High-Energy Trauma

Adjacent Level Ligamentous Injury Associated with Traumatic Cervical Spine Fractures: Indications for Imaging and Implications for Treatment

“…Some authors guided their management strategies based on the MRI findings of STIs to the spine (4,9,18). However, modern helical CT scan has now become the gold standard for screening patients for CSI (2,6,7,19,26). What remains unknown is the incidence of STI with a diagnosed CSI.…”

“…For this reason, timely and accurate diagnosis of these injuries is essential so that appropriate treatment strategies may be initiated, improving patient outcomes. Modern multislice helical computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for primary screening of CSI because of its accuracy in identifying clinically meaningful injuries and its cost-effectiveness and efficiency (2,6,7,19,26). However, in some patients with CSI, ligamentous or disc injury at levels adjacent to a cervical injury seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may have important implications (20,29).…”

Evolving standards of practice for cervical spine imaging in trauma: A retrospective review

“…Although the reported sensitivity of plain X-rays for detecting fracture varies, several recent articles have suggested it is only in the 30-60% range. [6][7][8] Computed tomography sensitivity for C-spine fracture is much greater than that of plain radiographs (approaching 100%), although it is more expensive and less accessible (McCulloch et al 2005). 9 Recently published works also indicate an increasing use of CT scanning as a first-line imaging technique in suspected C-spine fracture (Griffen et al 2004).…”

“…[6][7][8] Computed tomography sensitivity for C-spine fracture is much greater than that of plain radiographs (approaching 100%), although it is more expensive and less accessible (McCulloch et al 2005). 9 Recently published works also indicate an increasing use of CT scanning as a first-line imaging technique in suspected C-spine fracture (Griffen et al 2004). This trend is probably driven by several factors, including increased medicolegal influences on decision-making, a growing recognition of the limitations of plain X-rays and improved CT technology and accessibility.…”

Clinical review: spinal imaging for the adult obtunded blunt trauma patient: update from 2004

“…The sensitivity of plain radiographs to detect significant 2 spinal injuries, including the three view combination of anteroposterior, lateral and open mouth 'odontoid' views ranges widely from 31 to 94% [12,14,15,17,18,23,24,30]. Usefully Holmes quoted a pooled sensitivity of 52% [22].…”