Role of flexion/extension radiography in neck injuries in adults

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether flexion-extension radiography is indicated in the investigation of a neurologically intact adult patient with midline neck tenderness and normal 3-view cervical spinal radiographs. Altogether 101 papers were found using the reported search, of which five presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevent outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.