A new cervical spine clearance protocol using computed tomography - Discussion

The purpose of this study was to assess a cervical spine clearance protocol for blunt trauma patients using helical computed tomographic (CT) scan of the cervical spine (C-spine). A protocol using CT scan of the C-spine was implemented and the first 6 months of use reviewed. Patients requiring a CT scan of the head had the C-spine evaluated by lateral C-spine radiography and a helical CT scan. Patients without indication for CT scan of the head had the C-spine evaluated by three-view radiography (anteroposterior, lateral, and odontoid) with selective CT scan of the C-spine for imaging areas not well visualized or those with abnormalities identified by radiography or by clinical examination alone. © 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.