| Isolated ligamentous cervical spinal injury in the polytrauma patient with a head injury. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 17323675 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The evaluation of the cervical spine in the unconscious trauma patient is a difficult and controversial topic in trauma management. Conventional cervical clearance protocols consisting of plain radiology and computed tomography may not adequately detect unstable cervical ligament and disc injuries, even though a high-risk mechanism of injury has occurred. We present two cases where cervical clearance protocols, utilising plain X-rays and multi-slice computed tomography, failed to identify significant ligamentous spinal injuries. A delay in diagnosis or a missed spinal injury can lead to delays in treatment, thereby increasing the risk of neurological deterioration with the potential devastating sequela of quadriplegia. Therefore, in the unconscious trauma patient who, by definition, has sustained a high-risk mechanism injury, we routinely recommend the use of magnetic resonance imaging in addition to plain X-rays and computed tomography, to evaluate further discoligamentous status. |
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Authors:
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L Weinberg; C Y Hiew; D J Brown; E J Lim; G K Hart |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Case Reports; Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Anaesthesia and intensive care Volume: 35 ISSN: 0310-057X ISO Abbreviation: Anaesth Intensive Care Publication Date: 2007 Feb |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2007-02-27 Completed Date: 2007-04-06 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0342017 Medline TA: Anaesth Intensive Care Country: Australia |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 99-104 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*, radiography Coma / complications, etiology Craniocerebral Trauma / diagnosis, etiology Female Glasgow Coma Scale Humans Ligaments / injuries* Magnetic Resonance Imaging Male Multiple Trauma* / complications Spinal Fractures Thoracic Vertebrae / injuries, radiography Tomography, X-Ray Computed |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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