Radiologic ‘clearance’ of the traumatized cervical spine

Abstract

Rapid, thorough and cost effective radiologic evaluation of the traumatized spine can be performed through a tailored sequential approach. The radiologic evaluation is performed in conjunction with clinical management, and therefore communication between clinical and radiological services is essential. Judicious use of CT and MRI can provide critical information, particularly in the symptomatic patient with ‘normal’ radiographs.