Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Combination with Helical Computed Tomography Provides a Safe and Efficient Method of Cervical Spine Clearance in the Obtunded Trauma Patient

Abstract

In the obtunded patient, expeditious c-spine evaluation is important. Both missed injuries and prolonged unnecessary immobilization can result in adverse outcomes. This study confirms that c-spine CT, when used in combination with MRI, provides a safe and efficient method for c-spine clearance in this patient population. CT alone misses a statistically significant number of c-spine injuries.