Selective use of radiography of the skull and cervical spine.

Abstract

Based on the findings of a five-month study, the authors suggest that physicians should be more discriminating in using radiography of the skull, especially when dealing with patients who are minimally injured. The low incidence of fractures disclosed by radiography in patients with insignificant head injuries is a primary factor in arriving at this recommendation. A lack of correlation between skull fractures, and cerebral injury, and subsequent therapy is another factor. Finally, the prohibitive cost of medical care generally (and radiographs in particular) makes greater selectiveness imperative. Although the number of cervical spine fractures in this study was small, the findings indicate that based on history and physical examination there can and should be increasing selectivity in ordering routine cervical spine series, without increasing the risk of missed fractures.

• Authors: M E Jergens, M T Morgan, C E McElroy
• Journal: The Western journal of medicine (West J Med) Vol. 127 Issue 1 Pg. 1-4 (Jul 1977) ISSN: 0093-0415 [Print] United States
• PMID: 878469 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Cervical Vertebrae (diagnostic imaging, injuries)
• Fractures, Bone (diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Radiography
• Skull Fractures (diagnostic imaging)
• Spinal Injuries (diagnostic imaging)