Errors in Emergency and Trauma Radiology: C-Spine Imaging

Abstract

Errors and mistakes in interpretation of cervical spine imaging are multifactorial and can be attributed to technical, work environment, or radiologist-specific factors. To minimize these errors, radiologists should work in close collaboration with emergency physicians and other clinicians. They should obtain access to detailed clinical information and utilize a consistently accurate approach to interpret initial cervical spine CT imaging, as patients may have substantial and unstable ligamentous and/or vascular injuries despite subtle or no positive CT findings. Moreover, CT should be supplemented with CT angiography in suspected vascular injuries. MR imaging should be obtained in obtunded patients and those with potential ligamentous and/or spinal cord injuries.