The number of cervical spine studies performed has increased over the years, in part as a result of high-speed automobile accidents that cause serious injury to the head and neck and the increasing risk of litigation associated with such cases. As a precaution, clinicians are more likely to order radiographic procedures with all cases of head and neck trauma, even if the injury seems slight. The lateral view of the cervical spine continues to be the most reliable projection in assessing the extent of trauma. In suspected head and neck trauma, emergency department physicians routinely order radiographs of the cervical spine along with computed tomography scans of the head and neck.Radiologic technologists must continue to sharpen their skills to improve the quality of the images they produce. The possible consequences of cervical trauma require technologists to position patients properly while maintaining patient safety for a positive treatment outcome. Because positioning is vital, we have noted several potential improvements in positioning for the lateral cervical spine.
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