Diagnostic imaging of cervical spine injuries following blunt trauma: A review of the literature and practical guideline

Abstract - Patients with a (potential) cervical spine injury can be subdivided into low-risk and high-risk patients. - With a detailed history and physical examination the cervical spine of patients in the ‘low-risk’ group can be ‘cleared’ without further radiographic examinations. - X-ray imaging (3-view series) is currently the primary choice of imaging for patients in the ‘low-risk’ group with a suspected cervical spine injury after blunt trauma. - For patients in the ‘high-risk’ group because of its higher sensitivity a computed tomography scan is primarily advised or, alternatively, the cervical spine is immobilised until the patient can be reliably questioned and examined again. - For the imaging of traumatic soft tissue injuries of the cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging is the technique of choice.