A comparison of flexion and extension radiographs with computed tomography of the cervical spine in blunt trauma

Am Surg. 2008 Sep;74(9):855-7.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare flexion and extension (F/E) cervical radiographs with CT of the cervical spine in patients sustaining blunt trauma for the evaluation of ligamentous injury. A retrospective chart review of 2 years duration at an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma center was performed. All patients sustaining blunt trauma who were evaluated with both a CT as well as F/E radiographs were identified. Exclusion criteria included penetrating injuries, neurologic symptoms, and age younger than 18 years. Follow-up MRI of each positive F/E radiograph after a negative CT scan was performed. Flexion and extension cervical radiographs were obtained in 379 patients after CT. Eight positive F/E radiographs were obtained after a negative CT scan. Follow-up MRI was negative for ligamentous injury in all cases. No cases of a clinically relevant positive F/E radiograph after a negative CT scan were identified. Follow-up F/E radiographs are not efficacious when a negative CT has been performed in blunt trauma without neurologic findings.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Ligaments / injuries
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Posture*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radiography / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging*