|
Year |
2002 |
|---|---|
|
Question Number |
102 |
|
Category |
Musculoskeletal Trauma |
Question
In the evaluation of an unconscious polytrauma patient with suspected spinal injury, which of the following is considered the most appropriate radiographic evaluation of the spine?
1. Cervical spine series
2. Cervical spine series and MRI of the cervical spine
3. Cervical spine series and AP and lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine
4. Complete series of radiographs of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine
5. MRI of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine
Figures
Answer (click for answer)
Preferred Answer: 4
A cervical spine radiologic series has become mandatory in the management of the polytrauma patent. The 2 most common areas of injury in the cervical spine are the C2 vertebra and C5-6 motion segment, including vertebral bodies and disk. The key to this question is the fact that it is an unconscious patient. In the conscious patient, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs should be made of other areas of spinal pain or tenderness. But in the unconscious patient, a complete series of radiographs of the spine must be obtained.
Reference: Kellam JF, Fischer TJ, Toranetta P, OKU:Trauma 2, Rosemont, IL, AAOS, 2000
pp320-321