Imaging for evaluation of suspected cervical spine trauma: A 2-year analysis

Numerical Analysis of the Risk of Neck Injuries Caused By IED Explosion under the Vehicle in Military Environments

“…Similar conclusions were reached by Daffner (2006) and Robertson (2002) analyzing the cases in medical databases. The researchers showed that the fracture occurred at every level of the vertebrae, but the large majority of cracks occur in the extreme segments (Daffner et al, 2006, Robertson et al, 2002. The damage at these levels are usually caused by trauma on the mechanism of compression and flexion, causing comminuted fractures of the vertebral bodies (DeWit et al, 2012).…”

“…Injuries of the upper segments are directly related to the force applied from the skull to the atlanto-occipital joint, and the lower segments are caused by impact forces directly to the vertebral body and the lever arm of force of several adjacent segments as in the case of P1 soldiers (Cusick et al, 2002). Similar conclusions were reached by Daffner (2006) and Robertson (2002) analyzing the cases in medical databases. The researchers showed that the fracture occurred at every level of the vertebrae, but the large majority of cracks occur in the extreme segments (Daffner et al, 2006, Robertson et al, 2002.…”

Normal Thickness and Appearance of the Prevertebral Soft Tissues on Multidetector CT

“…20 Multiple previous studies place the sensitivity of MDCT for fractures of the cervical spine at 99%-100%, significantly better than that of conventional radiography. 4,8,20 Currently, in both Europe and the United States, MDCT has been recommended as part of a primary cervical spine screening protocol for trauma patients. Note:-N/C indicates that upper limits of normal at C4 and C5 were not calculated due to the inconsistent position of the esophagus and larynx among the patient population: PVST, prevertebral soft tissue; MDCT, multidetector CT. *Upper limit of normal calculated as 2 SDs above the mean maximum value for 97.5% of the population.…”

“…In our experience, the normal values based on radiographic studies are commonly used in multidetector CT (MDCT) images, despite the fact that differences in the acquisition of these images could account for significant differences in their normal values. With the widespread replacement of standard radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine by MDCT, 4,[7][8][9][10] it is necessary to establish normal values for the thickness of the PVST on MDCT images.…”

An Evidenced-Based Approach to Radiographic Assessment of Cervical Spine Injuries in the Emergency Department

“…One-third are found at C2 and approximately one-half at C5, C6, or C7 (11,12). Cervical spine injuries are commonly classified according to the mechanism of injury-flexion, extension, rotation, vertical compression, or a combination thereof.…”