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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2013; 17(04): 380-388
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1356467
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Imaging of Acute Cervical Spine Trauma: When to Obtain Which Modality

Erika J. Ulbrich
1   Department of Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
,
John A. Carrino
2   Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Matthias Sturzenegger
3   Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital, and University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
,
Mazda Farshad
4   Department of Spine Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 October 2013 (online)

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Abstract

The current knowledge and evidence around the merits of different imaging modalities for the evaluation of cervical spine injuries are reviewed. The National Emergency X-Radiography Use Study, Canadian Cervical Spine rule, and American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria are reviewed and summarized. The advantages and disadvantages of available imaging modalities for selected cervical spine injury patterns are also illuminated to simplify the decision making on when to use which modality.

Keywords

cervical spine trauma - nexus - CCR - imaging modalities - ACR appropriateness criteria
 

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