Radiological evaluation of an injured spine includes plain radiographs, Computerized tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. The purpose of radiological evaluation is to:
identify multilevel injuries
I ntroduction
Good quality plain radiograph in two planes (antero-posterior and lateral) must be performed in all patients with suspected spinal trauma.
The appropriate radiograph is performed based on local tenderness or deformity and the presence of neurology (in case of neurological injury).
For the upper cervical spine one can use a C2 targeted X-ray examination.
AP view is recorded thorough the open mouth.
Lateral incudes occiput to C3.
If the radiographs are not satisfactory or inconclusive, CT scan must be performed.
What is seen in the AP radiograph
In the antero-posterior film, the following factors are observed:
Anatomical landmarks in AP view
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Anderson D'Alonzo Type II or III fracture
Anatomical landmarks seen in the lateral view:
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CT can reveal associated injuries as well as rule out suspected fractures which are not present.
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