Facilitating cervical spine radiography in blunt trauma
Roberge, R.J.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 9(4): 733-742
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0733-8627 PMID: 1915045 Document Number: 374307
The interpretation of cervical spine radiographs is an important facet of the evaluation of blunt trauma victims. The diagnostic accuracy of cervical spine films is dependent upon the technical adequacy of the radiographs and the clinician's diagnostic and interpretive skills. The anxiety inherent in cervical radiographic interpretation by the nonradiologist can be minimized by coupling the use of several simple techniques aimed at enhancing visualization of all cervical spine elements and optimizing bony definitions with an unhurried, methodical radiographic evaluation utilizing a number of radiologic "pearls" in those instances in which injury is less than readily apparent but still suspect.