Is magnetic resonance imaging in addition to a computed tomographic scan necessary to identify clinically significant cervical spine injuries in obtunded blunt trauma patients? - 02/12/13
Abstract |
Background |
Guidelines are in place directing the clearance of the cervical spine in patients who are awake, alert, and oriented, but a gold standard has not been recognized for patients who are obtunded. Our study is designed to determine if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects clinically significant injuries not seen on computed tomographic (CT) scans.
Methods |
The trauma registry was used to identify and retrospectively review medical records of blunt trauma patients from January 1, 2005, to March 30, 2012. Only obtunded patients with a CT scan and MRI of the cervical spine were included.
Results |
The study cohort consisted of 277 patients. In 13 (5%) patients, MRI detected clinically significant cervical spine injuries that were missed by CT scans, and in 7 (3%) these injuries required intervention. The number needed to screen with MRI to prevent 1 missed injury was 21.
Conclusions |
The findings suggest that the routine use of MRI in clearing the cervical spine in the obtunded blunt trauma patient.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Cervical spine injury, Obtunded, Blunt trauma patient, Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging, Cervical spine computed tomography
Plan
| The authors declare no conflict of interest. |
Vol 206 - N° 6
P. 987-994 - décembre 2013 Retour au numéro
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