Computed tomography is effective in the detection of clinically significant cervical spine injuries in adults, according to a study published in JAMA Surgery.
A prospective observational study was conducted from Jan. 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011, at a level I trauma center. Participants included 830 adults who experienced blunt trauma with resultant midline cervical spine tenderness and/or neurologic deficits and were undergoing computed tomography of the cervical spine.
Overall, 164 cervical spine injuries were diagnosed, and 23 of these were clinically significant. All clinically significant injuries were detected by computed tomography. Fifteen of 681 patients with a normal computed tomography scan had a newly identified finding on MRI; however, none of the injuries required surgical intervention or halo placement.
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