Computed Tomographic Scanning Reduces Cost and Time of Complete Spine Evaluation

Abstract

We recommend using the data acquired from CT scans to evaluate the spine, supplementing them with additional studies only when needed for further clarification.

Spiral Computed Tomography for the Initial Evaluation of Spine Trauma: A New Standard of Care?

“…[11][12][13] Significant reductions in the time committed to spinal imaging with the use of CT have been demonstrated in multiple previous studies. 5,8,9 Our study evaluates imaging of the entire spine and utilizes total time for all initial diagnostic imaging as a study endpoint. Although this decrease in time is in part the result of performing fewer time-consuming PFR studies of the spine, it is also related to recent technological advances that allow rapid helical SCT.…”

“…Although recent evidence suggests that SCT has distinct advantages in the initial imaging of the spine, few studies have investigated the differences between SCT and plain radiography (PFR) for spinal imaging from a comprehensive practice-based perspective. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Our adult trauma center instituted a practice guideline in 2000 that called for SCT as the initial screening imaging technique for patients at risk for spinal injury. 10 SCT remained the primary modality for imaging the abdomen in hemodynamically stable patients and chest SCT was used with increasing frequency.…”

The Pearls and Pitfalls of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Spine

“…CT scanning provides for a sensitive measure of bony fracture, with visualization in 2 and 3 dimensions, making it ideal as an initial screening modality for osseous spinal pathology in adults. 18,19,21,48,74,90,99 As such, CT is warranted for individuals with a mechanism of injury known to increase risk for acute spinal fracture. 68 However, CT exposes the patient to ionizing radiation.…”

Clinical review: spinal imaging for the adult obtunded blunt trauma patient: update from 2004

“…CT is superior to plain imaging for the detection of significant injury to the TL spine [15,16,[70][71][72]. Berry et al [73] quote 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity for CT to detect TL fracture compared to 73% sensitivity and 100% specificity for plain radiographs.…”