Yesterday, I wrote about our algorithm for clearing the cervical spine in an adult with normal mental status. Today, I’ll go over our protocol for obtunded patients. You can download it using the link below.
Here are the key points:
- MRI is the cornerstone of definitive evaluation of the ligaments once a normal CT spine study has been obtained
- There is no time limit for getting the MRI
- Spondylosis or degenerative changes are a red flag if MRI is not possible; the spine service must always be involved if either of these are present
Related posts:
- Protocol: cervical spine clearance – obtunded patient
- Comprehensive blunt trauma imaging protocol
- Video: How to clinically clear the cervical spine
- Clearing the cervical spine – part 1
