Use of Goniometry to Predict Inadequate Flexion-Extension Roentgenograms: A Preliminary Study

摘要

Each year, more than 20 million people are evaluated at emergency departments throughout the United States for trauma-related conditions. With an incidence of approximately 5% in the blunt trauma population, roughly one million patients are evaluated each year for injuries related to the cervical spine.1 During the initial evaluation of the blunt trauma patient, an accurate and rapid assessment of the cervical spine is mandatory. Classic initial roentgenographic studies of the cervical spine include lateral, open-mouth odontoid, and anteroposterior views. Using these three roentgenograms alone, however, will miss 10% or more cervical spine fractures.2"4 In addition, both static plain films and computerized tomography (CT) scans will miss a number of soft tissue and ligamentous injuries.