South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Patients with unrecognized fractures of the cervical spine associated with head injuries run the risk of developing spinal cord compression and paralysis while undergoing treatment. A case history demonstrating such a sequence of events is presented. ⋯ Routine radiographic examination of the cervical spine in all patients who have sustained significant injuries to the head or face is advocated. The technique for performing simple lateral radiography of the cervical spine without moving the patient is described.