Prospective comparison of admission computed tomographic scan and plain films of the upper cervical spine in trauma patients with altered mental status

Abstract

The accurate evaluation of patients with multiple injuries is logistically complex and time sensitive, and must be cost-effective. We hypothesize that computed tomographic (CT) scan of the upper cervical spine (occiput to C3 [Co-C3]) would add little to the initial evaluation of patients with multiple injuries who have altered mental status. © 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.