Cervical spine clearance in adult trauma patients. Issue 2 (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yorkgitis, Brian K.; McCauley, D. Michelle
• Is Part Of: JAAPA. Volume 32:Issue 2(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: cervical spine -- CT -- MRI -- obtunded -- trauma -- neck injury; Medicine -- Periodicals; Physicians' assistants -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Physician Assistants -- Periodicals; Medicine; Physicians' assistants; Periodicals; 610.7372069
• DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000552718.90865.53
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0893-7400

Abstract

Abstract : ABSTRACT: Up to 4% of adults with blunt trauma suffer cervical spine injury. Clinicians who evaluate trauma patients can use validated clinical decision tools to assess whether patients are at risk for these injuries. Beyond these tools, imaging (most often CT) remains the mainstay of evaluation. Further challenges exist when patients have persistent pain or cannot be evaluated clinically. This article reviews the evidence available to assist clinicians in evaluating adults for significant cervical spine injury after blunt trauma.