Which diagnostic tests are indicated in the emergency department after trauma to the cervical spine?

Riesenbeck O, Raschke MJ

Abstract

Injuries to the cervical spine are a diagnostic challenge as, although they are rare in relation to the overall population, they should not be overlooked under any circumstances. This article presents the diagnostic procedure in the emergency department, starting with the patient's medical history and subsequently clinical and neurological examinations. As a result, the clinical decision tools national emergency X-radiography utilization study (NEXUS) criteria and the Canadian C-spine rule (CCR) are discussed. Finally, the current literature is reviewed considering the diagnostic examination options, taking the clinically relevant key questions into account.