An Exploration of Current Practice of Cervical Spine Trauma Radiographs

Introduction

The author of this article was Michael Fell. He wanted to determine the cervical spine radiographic imaging practices that were used in more recent examinations. These were used on patients who were suspected to have neck injuries. The author also examined the various causes of the variations in dosage.

Summary

The data collection involved the distribution of questionnaires to superintendent radiographers (Fell, 2011). They were the ones who were involved in the Accident and Emergency department. The results showed that those patients who had been suspected to have neck injury had to undergo at least three standard radiographs. These included the AP odontoid, Lateral and AP radiographs.

When the cervicothoracic junction could not be seen on the lateral projections, alternative imaging was done. This type of imaging was the swimmers’ projection. Other sections of the health care were seen to be using supine oblique projections in the initial tests. Other observations included the use of the CT scan as the first choice selected for subsequent imaging.

Strength and weakness

The strength of this article is in the way the author uses various literature to support his idea. The results are also based on sound research. The weakness of this research is that it has not determined how the health department arrives at the decision to use additional imaging.

Conclusion

The research investigated the current practices of radiographic imaging. The variations and considerations made during dosages were also evaluated.

References

Fell, M. (2011). Cervical spine trauma radiographs: Swimmers and supine obliques – an exploration of current practice. Radiography, 17, 33-38.