The evaluation of spinal (especially cervical) trauma is a changing.
The subsets of patients where plain films is the initial investigation of choice is rapidly diminishing...but not gone completely. (Can you think of a few?)
In this podcast, Scott Weingart looks at the NEXUS and Canadian C-Spine rules...and considers an approach which combines the two. Is this something you would consider using in our population?
Can we completely clear a cervical spine simply with imaging (eg in an obtunded patient)?
Diagnostic Strategies for C-Spine Injuries
So you've found a spinal cord injury...what next?
The Acute management of Spinal Cord Injuries
And how does this all this fit in with what you guys are being taught on your ATLS/EMST courses?
New Trauma Guidelines for Spinal Injuries
So many questions....
Luckily Dr King (and his esteemed band of wise and bearded advisors) will be on hand this Tuesday to answer these and many more...