SPINE IMAGING

SUMMARY

1. The National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study prediction rule (NEXUS), the Canadian C-Spine Rule (CCR) criteria, or both are used to determine when cervical imaging is not indicated.

2. Regardless of the criteria, myelopathy, mechanically unstable spine, unevaluable for greater than 48 hours, suggested arterial injury, and suspected ligamentous injury are indications for spinal imaging.

3. CT with multiplanar reformations is usually the best initial diagnostic procedure for speed and for the evaluation of bony pathology.

Reference(s)

Furman, Michael B., and Leland Berkwits. Atlas of Image-Guided Spinal Procedures. Elsevier, Inc, 2017.
Horowitz AL. MRI Physics for Physicians. Springer Science & Business Media. (1989) ISBN:1468403338.
Mangrum W, Christianson K, Duncan S et-al. Duke Review of MRI Principles. Mosby. (2012) ISBN:1455700843.