Helical CT of the cervical spine injury: Is there any role for plain films?

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic yield of conventional radiographs versus helical CT in screening acute trauma patients. Methods: We reviewed 604 trauma patients who presented to our Level I trauma Emergency Room and received both conventional radiographs and spiral CT scans of the cervical spine of. Results: Of the 604 patients, 30 (5.13%) had fractures seen on helical CT, of which only 10 were diagnosed on conventional radiography. Conclusion: Conventional radiography is less sensitive to detect fractures than helical CT in screening acute trauma patients. CT should therefore be considered as a standard modality choice for such cases.