Interpreting cervical spine x rays series#

Occurs with sudden deceleration (hanging) and with hyperextension, as in motor vehicle accidentsīilateral pedicle fracture of C2 with or without anterior subluxation lateral view required May be difficult to see on plain films high clinical suspicion requires CT scanning Occurs in patients with Down syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and other destructive processesĪsymmetric lateral bodies on odontoid view, increased predental space Once an injury to the spinal cord is diagnosed, methylprednisolone should be administered as soon as possible in an attempt to limit neurologic injury.īurst fracture occurs with axial load or vertebral compressionĭisplaced lateral aspects of C1 on odontoid view, predental space more than 3 mm The “SCIWORA” syndrome (spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality) is common in children.

Interpreting cervical spine x rays series#

The most common reason for a missed cervical spine injury is a cervical spine radiographic series that is technically inadequate.

The lateral view must include all seven cervical vertebrae as well as the C7-T1 interspace, allowing visualization of the alignment of C7 and T1. Views required to radiographically exclude a cervical spine fracture include a posteroanterior view, a lateral view and an odontoid view. Significant cervical spine injury is very unlikely in a case of trauma if the patient has normal mental status (including no drug or alcohol use) and no neck pain, no tenderness on neck palpation, no neurologic signs or symptoms referable to the neck (such as numbness or weakness in the extremities), no other distracting injury and no history of loss of consciousness.