Blackmore et al used a number of clinical findings to predict the risk of significant cervical spine injury in a trauma patient. These can help determine if imaging studies of the cervical spine are indicated. The authors are from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Washington in Seattle.
Parameters:
(1) age in years
(2) energy of the traumatic event
(3) severe head injury
(4) focal neurological deficit
Focal Neurological Deficit |
Severe Head Injury |
Energy of Event |
Age in Years |
Cervical Spine Fracture |
Y |
NA |
NA |
NA |
20% |
N |
Y |
NA |
NA |
7% |
N |
N |
low |
<= 50 |
0.04% |
N |
N |
low |
> 50 |
0.5% |
N |
N |
moderate |
<= 50 |
0.4% |
N |
N |
moderate |
> 50 |
2.2% |
N |
N |
high |
<= 50 |
1.1% |
N |
N |
high |
> 50 |
1.9% |
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, general, Otolaryngology
ICD-10: ,