Management of nonoperative cervical spine fractures: An institutional analysis of follow-up duration and image acquisition

Abstract

Background: How long do nonoperative cervical fractures have to be followed and with how many imaging studies? Methods: We reviewed 69 adult patients with 122 (31 occiptocervical and 91 sub-axial) cervical fractures; at least one of the cervical fractures was managed nonoperatively. Outcomes were assessed along with the optimal follow-up duration and frequency of various diagnostic studies. Results: An average of four follow-up visits occurred on average 28-, 66-, 94-, and 158-day post hospital discharge. The average time between discharge and orthotic clearance was 70 days (±32.4 days). Radiographic studies were obtained at follow-up visits, respectively, in, 82.6%, 83.6%, 94.7%, and 100% of patients. Conclusion: The trend for managing nonoperative cervical fractures was an unduly prolonged follow-up duration that included obtaining too many imaging studies.

El ABC de las fracturas cervicales en región subaxial de origen traumático

“…En caso de existencia de fractura de plataforma vertebral sin estallido más luxación facetaria, se sugiere la reducción abierta y fijación por vía posterior, valorar el uso de abordaje combinado en caso de fractura por estallido (Figura 3). [16][17][18][19]…”