Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 1993
ReviewCervical spine radiography after blunt trauma. Is it always needed?
In trauma cases, the mere presence of a cervical immobilization device is not an indication for radiography of the cervical spine. High-yield radiographic criteria have been prospectively determined for cases of blunt trauma, and these identify individuals at low risk for cervical spine injuries. ⋯ Cervical spine radiography alone does not ensure detection of all injuries. Adequate history taking and careful examination are always essential and may dictate additional studies.