Diagnostic ability of CT in cervical spine injury

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality has been found to occur in 0.08% of adults. The present study was conducted to assess cervical spine trauma in adult population using CT scan.Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 65 patients of cervical spine injury. A careful physical examination was performed and CT scan using Tesla 1.6 (16 slices) was obtained. Frankel grading was followed. Results: Maximum patients were seen in age group 30-40 years (26) followed by 20-30 years (12), 50-60 years (10), 40-50 years (8), 10-20 years (5) and >60 years (4). The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mechanism of trauma was RTA in 43, violence in 15, fall in 4 and sports injury in 3. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Grade I was seen in 42, grade II in 11, grade III in 10, grade IV in 2 and grade E in none. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Cervical spine injury demands careful evaluation of functions. CT scan found to be effective in evaluating traumatic injuries to cervical spine.