Imaging: Spine trauma

With over 10, 000 new cases and $14.5 billion of health-care-associated costs per year, spinal cord injuries continue to be one of the most disabling traumatic injuries to affect patients worldwide. One particular aspect of the workup of spinal trauma-radiographic imaging-has undergone considerable evolution over the past few years with the rise of new imaging modalities and refined imaging techniques. However, controversy continues to surround the indications for imaging and selection of the most clinically appropriate imaging modality in the traumatic setting. This chapter aims to outline the available imaging modalities, their utility in the posttraumatic setting, and potential limitations of each one. In addition, the chapter cites examples of common cervical injuries, as well as discussion of imaging approaches to thoracolumbar and vascular injuries.