Cervical spine trauma imaging: is an additional swimmers projection of the cervico-thoracic junction justified?

COLLINGS, Abigail, WRIGHT, Chris and MITCHELL, Pauline (2015). Cervical spine trauma imaging: is an additional swimmers projection of the cervico-thoracic junction justified? In: UKRC Conference, Liverpool, 29th June - 1st July 2015.

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Abstract

NICE Head and Cervical Spine Guidelines (2007) advocate three-view Plain Radiography over CT for the initial assessment of cervical spine trauma. However, they provide no indication of what protocol should be utilised when the cervico-thoracic junction is not visualised by the first attempt. This study aimed to evaluate current practice. A retrospective audit of trauma patients was performed over a two month period (N=107). The results demonstrated that whilst all patients received the standard AP, AP open mouth and lateral projections, 74% of cases failed to demonstrate the cervico-thoracic junction. 67% of this population received an additional Swimmers View with a 74% success rate. The research findings highlight the practical limitations of the plain radiography technique. Whilst further training could perhaps reduce the non-visualisation rate of the cervico-thoracic junction, radiographers could in most cases predict the need for the additional swimmers projection and likelihood of success as part of the justification process. Whilst acknowledging the increase in thyroid dose by utilising CT, direct referral is perhaps justified in these cases, particularly if the patient presents with the clinical symptoms of cervical spine trauma.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Depositing User: Chris Wright
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2016 16:48
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 15:34
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/10881

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