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Dion PM, Lapierre M, Said H, Tremblay S, Tariq K, Lamb T, English SW, Kingstone M, Stratton A, Boet S, Shorr R, Lampron J. Rethinking cervical spine clearance in obtunded trauma patients: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Injury 2024; 55:111308. [PMID: 38266326 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.111308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical spine injuries (CSI) are often challenging to diagnose in obtunded adult patients with blunt trauma and the optimal imaging modality remains uncertain. This study systematically synthesized the last decade of evidence to determine the type of imaging required to clear the c-spine in obtunded patients with blunt trauma. METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted and reported using PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The protocol was registered on June 22, 2022 (PROSPERO CRD42022341386). MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 1, 2012, and October 17, 2023. Studies comparing CT alone to CT combined with MRI for c-spine clearance were included. Two independent reviewers screened articles for eligibility in duplicate. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effect model. Risk of bias and quality assessment were performed using the ROBINS-I and QUADAS-2. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. RESULTS 744 obtunded trauma patients from six included studies were included. Among the 584 that had a negative CT scan, the pooled missed rate of clinically significant CSI using CT scans alone was 6 % (95 % CI: 0.02 to 0.17), and the pooled missed rate of CSI requiring treatment was 7 % (95 % CI: 0.02 to 0.18). High heterogeneity was observed among included studies (I² > 84 %). The overall risk of bias was moderate, and the quality of evidence was low due to the retrospective nature of the included studies and high heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS Limited evidence published in the last decade found that CT scans alone may not be sufficient for detecting clinically significant CSI and injuries requiring treatment in obtunded adult patients with blunt trauma. IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of CT scans and consider using MRI when appropriate. Future research should focus on prospective studies with standardized outcome measures and uniform reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Marc Dion
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Hussein Said
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sophie Tremblay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Khadeeja Tariq
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler Lamb
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shane W English
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine (Critical Care), The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Kingstone
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra Stratton
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvain Boet
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Innovation in Medical Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Risa Shorr
- Library Services, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Lampron
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Wu EY, Curran PL, Zukowski M, King TS, Martin KL, Grant CN. Cervical Collar Clearance in Obtunded Children Presenting Without a Known Traumatic Mechanism: Is Imaging Necessary? J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:1494-1499. [PMID: 37029027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obtunded pediatric patients are often placed in cervical collars (c-collars) to protect their cervical spine (c-spine) while injury is being ruled out, even without a known traumatic injury. The goal of this study was to determine the necessity of c-collars in this population by determining the rate of c-spine injury among patients with suspected non-traumatic mechanisms of loss of consciousness. METHODS A single institution, ten-year retrospective chart review was conducted including all obtunded patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit without a known traumatic event. Patients were categorized into five groups based on etiology of obtundation: respiratory, cardiac, medical/metabolic, neurologic, and other. Comparisons were made between those placed in a c-collar and a control group who were not, using Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous measures, and Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical measures. RESULTS 464 patients were included, of which 39 (8.41%) were placed in a c-collar. There was a significant difference in whether a patient was placed in a c-collar based on diagnosis category (p < 0.001). Those placed in a-c-collar were more likely to undergo imaging studies than the control group (p < 0.001). The overall incidence of c-spine injury in this patient population in our study was zero. CONCLUSION Cervical collar placement and radiographic evaluation is not necessary in obtunded pediatric patients who present without a known traumatic mechanism as the overall risk of injury is low. Consideration for collar placement should be given in cases when trauma cannot be definitively ruled out at initial evaluation. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Y Wu
- Penn State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Cres Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Pierce L Curran
- Penn State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Cres Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Monica Zukowski
- Penn State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Cres Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Tonya S King
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Kathryn L Martin
- Penn State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Cres Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Christa N Grant
- Penn State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Cres Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Khurana B, Keraliya A, Velmahos G, Maung AA, Bono CM, Harris MB. Clinical significance of "positive" cervical spine MRI findings following a negative CT. Emerg Radiol 2021; 29:307-316. [PMID: 34850316 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-021-01992-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review and analyze the clinical significance of positive acute traumatic findings seen on MRI of the cervical spine (MRCS) following a negative CT of the cervical spine (CTCS) for trauma. METHODS We performed a sub-cohort analysis of 54 patients with negative CTCS and a positive MRCS after spine trauma from the previous multicenter study of the Research Consortium of New England Centers for Trauma (ReCONECT). Both CTCS and MRCS were independently reviewed by two emergency radiologists and two spine surgeons. The surgeons also commented on the clinical significance of the traumatic findings seen on MRCS and grouped them into unstable, potentially unstable, and stable injuries. RESULTS Among 35 unevaluable patients, MRCS showed one unstable (hyperextension) and two potentially unstable (hyperflexion) injuries. Subtle findings were seen on CTCS in 2 of 3 patients upon careful retrospective review that would have suggested these injuries. Of 19 patients presenting with cervicalgia, 2/5 (40%) patients with neurological deficit demonstrated clinically significant findings on MRCS with predisposing factors seen on CT. None of the 14 patients with isolated cervicalgia and no neurological deficit had clinically significant findings on their MRCS. CONCLUSION While CTCS is adequate for clearing the cervical spine in patients with isolated cervicalgia, MRCS can play a critical role in patients with neurological deficits and normal CTCS. Clinically significant traumatic findings were seen in 8.5% of unevaluable patients on MRCS, though these injuries in fact could be identified on the CT in 2 of 3 patients upon careful retrospective review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Khurana
- Trauma Imaging Research and Innovation Center, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., MA, 02115, Boston, USA.
| | - Abhishek Keraliya
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - George Velmahos
- Trauma, Emergency Surgery, Surgery Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Adrian A Maung
- Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, USA.,Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Christopher M Bono
- Department of Orthopedics, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, 02114, Boston, USA
| | - Mitchel B Harris
- Department of Orthopedics, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, 02114, Boston, USA
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Cushing CH, Holmes JF, Tyler KR. Cervical Spine Injuries in Older Patients with Falls Found on Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Computed Tomography. West J Emerg Med 2021; 22:1190-1195. [PMID: 34546897 PMCID: PMC8463044 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2021.5.51844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study we aimed to determine the rate of traumatic abnormalities on cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a normal cervical spine computed tomography (CT) in older patients with ground-level falls. We hypothesized that MRI is low yield following a normal physical examination and normal CT after a ground-level fall. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients 65 years and older evaluated with a cervical spine MRI following a ground-level fall. Inclusion criteria included age 65 years and older, ground-level fall, normal cervical spine CT followed by a cervical spine MRI. We abstracted data following accepted methodologic guidelines. Patients with any focal neurological finding were considered to have an abnormal neurological examination. Imaging studies were considered to be abnormal if there was a report of an acute traumatic injury. The primary outcome was a traumatic abnormality identified on MRI. We described data with simple descriptive statistics. RESULTS Eighty-seven patients with a median age of 74 (interquartile range [IQR] 69, 83]) years had an MRI following a normal cervical spine CT. Median emergency department length of stay was 8.2 hours (IQR 5.3, 13.5). Sixty-four (73.6%) patients had a normal neurological examination on arrival; eight of these patients (12.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-23.2%) had an abnormal cervical spine MRI. Twenty-three patients (26.4%) had an abnormal neurological examination on arrival; two of these patients (8.7%, 95% CI, 1.1-28%) had an abnormal cervical spine MRI. Overall, 10 patients (11.5%) had an abnormal cervical spine MRI. One patient underwent operative intervention due to an unstable injury. Of the remaining nine patients with acute findings on cervical spine MRI, there were no other unstable injuries; two patients were managed with cervical orthosis, and seven patients had no additional management. CONCLUSION In this study of older patients with ground-level falls and normal, atraumatic, cervical spine CT, a small portion had traumatic abnormalities on MRI, with few requiring further intervention. Further study is required to identify criteria to determine when MRI should be performed in older patients after a ground-level fall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne H Cushing
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - James F Holmes
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Katren R Tyler
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sacramento, California
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Role of cervical spine MRI in the setting of negative cervical spine CT in blunt trauma: Critical additional information in the setting of clinical findings suggestive of occult injury. J Neuroradiol 2021; 48:164-169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Philipp LR, Leibold A, Mahtabfar A, Montenegro TS, Gonzalez GA, Harrop JS. Achieving Value in Spine Surgery: 10 Major Cost Contributors. Global Spine J 2021; 11:14S-22S. [PMID: 33890804 PMCID: PMC8076814 DOI: 10.1177/2192568220971288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Narrative Review. OBJECTIVES The increasing cost of healthcare overall and for spine surgery, coupled with the growing burden of spine-related disease and rising demand have necessitated a shift in practice standards with a new emphasis on value-based care. Despite multiple attempts to reconcile the discrepancy between national recommendations for appropriate use and the patterns of use employed in clinical practice, resources continue to be overused-often in the absence of any demonstrable clinical benefit. The following discussion illustrates 10 areas for further research and quality improvement. METHODS We present a narrative review of the literature regarding 10 features in spine surgery which are characterized by substantial disproportionate costs and minimal-if any-clear benefit. Discussion items were generated from a service-wide poll; topics mentioned with great frequency or emphasis were considered. Items are not listed in hierarchical order, nor is the list comprehensive. RESULTS We describe the cost and clinical data for the following 10 items: Over-referral, Over-imaging & Overdiagnosis; Advanced Imaging for Low Back Pain; Advanced imaging for C-Spine Clearance; Advanced Imaging for Other Spinal Trauma; Neuromonitoring for Cervical Spine; Neuromonitoring for Lumbar Spine/Single-Level Surgery; Bracing & Spinal Orthotics; Biologics; Robotic Assistance; Unnecessary perioperative testing. CONCLUSIONS In the pursuit of value in spine surgery we must define what quality is, and what costs we are willing to pay for each theoretical unit of quality. We illustrate 10 areas for future research and quality improvement initiatives, which are at present overpriced and underbeneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R. Philipp
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Lucas R. Philipp, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut St., 3 rd Floor, Department of Neurosurgery, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| | - Adam Leibold
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aria Mahtabfar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thiago S. Montenegro
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Glenn A. Gonzalez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James S. Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Golmohammadi H, Gharekhanloo F, Gharekhanloo M, Jalili E, Pirdehghan A. The accuracy of plain radiography in cervical spine injury. ARCHIVES OF TRAUMA RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/atr.atr_30_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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8
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Li QX, Zhao XJ, Li XN, Fu AJ, Zhang YH, Chen T, Liu TJ, Zheng FX, Li JM. Application of intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring in vertebral canal decompression surgery for acute spinal cord injury. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520924205. [PMID: 32567443 PMCID: PMC7309396 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520924205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the joint monitoring of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in vertebral canal decompression surgery for acute spinal cord injury. METHODS Twenty-four patients, who were admitted to the hospital for the surgical treatment of spinal cord injury with SEP and MEP monitoring, were assigned to the intraoperative monitoring group (group I). In addition, 24 patients who were admitted to the hospital for the surgical treatment of spinal cord injury without SEP or MEP monitoring were assigned to the control group (group C). RESULTS In group I, there were significant changes before and after decompression surgery in the P40 latency and amplitude, and in the latency of MEP in the abductor hallucis brevis (AHB), in patients with improved spinal nerve function following surgery. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the P40 latency or amplitude, or the latency of MEP in the AHB, in patients who showed no improvement after surgery. CONCLUSION In vertebral canal decompression surgery for acute spinal cord injury, the application of joint MEP and SEP monitoring can timely reflect changes in spinal cord function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun-Xi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiang-Nan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ai-Jun Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yun-He Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Tie-Jun Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fu-Xia Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Jian-Min Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
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Overmann KM, Robinson BRH, Eckman MH. Cervical spine evaluation in pediatric trauma: A cost-effectiveness analysis. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 38:2347-2355. [PMID: 31870674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The emergent evaluation of children with suspected traumatic cervical spine injuries (CSI) remains a challenge. Pediatric clinical pathways have been developed to stratify the risk of CSI and guide computed tomography (CT) utilization. The cost-effectiveness of their application has not been evaluated. Our objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness of three common strategies for the evaluation of children with suspected CSI after blunt injury. METHODS We developed a decision analytic model comparing these strategies to estimate clinical outcomes and costs for a hypothetical population of 0-17 year old patients with blunt neck trauma. Strategies included: 1) clinical pathway to stratify risk using NEXUS criteria and determine need for diagnostic testing; 2) screening radiographs as a first diagnostic; and 3) immediate CT scanning for all patients. We measured effectiveness with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs with 2018 U.S. dollars. Costs and effectiveness were discounted at 3% per year. RESULTS The use of the clinical pathway results in a gain of 0.04 QALYs and a cost saving of $2800 compared with immediate CT scanning of all patients. Use of the clinical pathway was less costly and more effective than immediate CT scan as long as the sensitivity of the clinical prediction rule was greater than 87% and when the sensitivity of x-ray was greater than 84%. CONCLUSION A strategy using a clinical pathway to first stratify risk before further diagnostic testing was less costly and more effective than either performing CT scanning or screening cervical radiographs on all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Overmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Bryce R H Robinson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Mark H Eckman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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10
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The utility of magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric trauma patients suspected of having cervical spine injuries. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019; 87:1328-1335. [DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Beckmann NM, West OC, Nunez D, Kirsch CF, Aulino JM, Broder JS, Cassidy RC, Czuczman GJ, Demertzis JL, Johnson MM, Motamedi K, Reitman C, Shah LM, Than K, Ying-Kou Yung E, Beaman FD, Kransdorf MJ, Bykowski J. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Spine Trauma. J Am Coll Radiol 2019; 16:S264-S285. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Veiga JRS, Mitchell K. Cervical spine clearance in the adult obtunded blunt trauma patient: A systematic review. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2018; 51:57-63. [PMID: 30509691 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A missed cervical spinal injury could have devastating consequences. Patients with a suspected cervical spinal injury are kept in rigid collars for cervical immobilisation. Prolonged collar use has important clinical implications. A well-defined guideline related to the removal of cervical collars from adult obtunded blunt trauma patients has not been developed. AIM We sought to determine if Magnetic Resonance Imaging offered a definitive benefit over Computer Tomography with respect to patient management. METHOD We searched Ovid Online, EBSCO, NICE Evidence Journals, Medline, PubMED, BNI, CINAHL and Google Scholar as well as the grey literature. Data extraction and synthesis were performed on studies that compared the radiologic findings and clinical outcomes of Computer Tomography scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in this patient group. RESULTS There is evidence that supports the safe discontinuation of cervical collar use after a negative multidetector Computer Tomography scan result alone. Magnetic Resonance Imaging may detect a significant number of ligamentous injuries, but such injuries are rarely of clinical significance because they rarely alter clinical management. Its use should be limited to specific circumstances. CONCLUSION It is important for institutions to re-examine the latest evidence regarding cervical spinal clearance in order to update their guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kay Mitchell
- Integrative Physiology and Critical Illness Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Critical Care Research Group, Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Novick D, Wallace R, DiGiacomo JC, Kumar A, Lev S, George Angus L. The cervical spine can be cleared without MRI after blunt trauma:A retrospective review of a single level 1 trauma center experience over 8 years. Am J Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Abstract
Cervical spine injuries are frequent and often caused by a blunt trauma mechanism. They can have severe consequences, with a high mortality rate and a high rate of neurological lesions.Diagnosis is a three-step process: 1) risk assessment according to the history and clinical features, guided by a clinical decision rule such as the Canadian C-Spine rule; 2) imaging if needed; 3) classification of the injury according to different classification systems in the different regions of the cervical spine.The urgency of treatment is dependent on the presence of a neurological lesion and/or instability. The treatment strategy depends on the morphological criteria as defined by the classification. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170076.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schleicher
- Zentrum für Wirbelsäulenchirurgie und Neurotraumatologie, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Pingel
- Zentrum für Wirbelsäulenchirurgie und Neurotraumatologie, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frank Kandziora
- Zentrum für Wirbelsäulenchirurgie und Neurotraumatologie, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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15
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McCallum J, McLaughlin P, Hameed M, Kanji HD. 64-Slice CT compared to MRI to clear cervical spine injury in high-risk GCS < 14 blunt trauma patients admitted to the ICU. TRAUMA-ENGLAND 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1460408617698512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective Clearance of cervical spine injury including ligamentous injury is of paramount importance as results of missed injury may have serious consequences. In obtunded patients, cervical spine clearance is challenging. This study sought to determine whether a negative 64-slice CT scan alone is sufficient to clear cervical spine injury. Patients and methods All consecutive blunt trauma patients admitted to a regional (level 1) trauma center from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2012 were screened for inclusion in this study. High-risk, GCS < 14, blunt trauma patients were included if they were admitted to the intensive care unit, had a negative 64-slice CT, and MRI of diagnostic quality. GCS was measured at the time of CT scan. Patients with a positive finding on CT scan were excluded. All images were re-interpreted by a trauma radiologist blinded to clinical outcome. Details of missed injuries and clinical impact were reported. The primary outcome was missed clinically significant injury, defined as any injury requiring an additional intervention including continued immobilization or surgery. Results There were 5891 blunt trauma patients admitted to the ICU, 44 of whom met inclusion criteria. Patients had a median injury severity score of 35 and MRI three (2–9) days after CT. Eight of 44 (18%) patients had a positive finding on MRI and five of the findings were clinically insignificant. Three patients (7%) with focal neurologic findings on clinical exam had missed injuries requiring immobilization with a collar. Two of these patients had spine disease, which may have increased their injury risk. Conclusions In high-risk obtunded blunt trauma patients admitted to the ICU, a negative 64-slice CT scan alone is insufficient to clear clinically significant cervical spine injury, with a missed clinically significant injury rate of 7%. When considered with symmetric motor function, a negative 64-slice CT scan may be sufficient. A prospective study is required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica McCallum
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Patrick McLaughlin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- Division of Emergency and Trauma Imaging, Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Morad Hameed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver BC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Hussein D Kanji
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver BC, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver BC, Canada
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Hey HWD, Lau BPH, Tan WT. Answer to the Letter to the Editor of A. Malhotra concerning "The utility of magnetic resonance imaging in addition to computed tomography scans in the evaluation of cervical spine injuries: a study of obtunded blunt trauma patients" by B. P. H. Lau, et al. (Eur Spine J [2017]; doi:10.1007/s00586-017-5317-y). EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2017; 27:249-250. [PMID: 29147796 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5378-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hwee Weng Dennis Hey
- University Orthopaedics, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster (UOHC), National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Bernard Puang Huh Lau
- University Orthopaedics, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster (UOHC), National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Wah Tze Tan
- University Orthopaedics, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster (UOHC), National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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Moore JM, Hall J, Ditchfield M, Xenos C, Danks A. Utility of plain radiographs and MRI in cervical spine clearance in symptomatic non-obtunded pediatric patients without high-impact trauma. Childs Nerv Syst 2017; 33:249-258. [PMID: 27924366 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-016-3273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal imaging modality for evaluating cervical spine trauma and optimizing management in the pediatric population is controversial. In pediatric populations, there are no well-established guidelines for cervical spine trauma evaluation and treatment. Currently, there is virtually no literature regarding imaging and management of symptomatic pediatric patients who present with cervical spine trauma without high-impact mechanism. This study aims to establish an optimal imaging strategy for this subgroup of trauma patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients (aged below 18 years) who were admitted to Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia between July 2011 and June 2015, who did not suffer a high-impact trauma but were symptomatic for cervical spine injury following cervical trauma. Imaging and management strategies were reviewed and results compared. RESULTS Forty-seven pediatric patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 46 underwent cervical spine series (CSS) plain radiograph imaging. Thirty-four cases underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 9 patients underwent CT. MRI was able to detect 4 cases of ligamentous injury, which were not seen in CSS imaging and was able to facilitate cervical spine clearance in a further two patients whose CSS radiographs were abnormal. CONCLUSION In this study, MRI has a greater sensitivity and specificity when compared to CSS radiography in a symptomatic pediatric low-impact trauma population. Our data call in to question the routine use of CSS radiographs in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Moore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Melbourne, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Jonathan Hall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Melbourne, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Michael Ditchfield
- Department of Pediatric Imaging, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher Xenos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Melbourne, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew Danks
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Melbourne, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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18
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Wei G, Shi C, Wang Z, Xia H, Yin Q, Wu Z. Surgical Outcome and Prognostic Analysis of Transoral Atlantoaxial Reduction Plate System for Basilar Invagination: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2016; 98:1729-1734. [PMID: 27869624 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.15.01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of a transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) system is an effective surgical approach for the treatment of basilar invagination. With the aim of improving the therapeutic efficacy of the TARP operation, we conducted a voxel-based morphometric study to quantitatively investigate the descent of the odontoid process and craniocervical volume changes. METHODS We enrolled 20 patients with basilar invagination who underwent a TARP procedure. Craniocervical computed tomography (CT) scanning and a 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of the craniocervical junction were performed. Craniocervical volumes and odontoid process descent distances were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Individual neurological function was evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system for cervical disorders. Pearson correlation analysis was applied for statistical testing. RESULTS Surgical efficacy (the JOA-score improvement rate) was significantly associated with the craniocervical volume improvement rate, the odontoid descent distance, and the absolute craniocervical volume changes (p < 0.01 for all), with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.83, 0.80, and 0.61, respectively. No significant correlation was noted between surgical efficacy and age, symptom duration, preoperative neurological function, odontoid process displacement, or change in clivus-odontoid angle (p > 0.05). The craniocervical volume improvement rate was significantly associated with the odontoid descent distance (r = 0.8; p < 0.01), but it was not associated with the odontoid displacement or the change in the clivus-odontoid angle (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We found that the odontoid descent distance predicted the craniocervical volume improvement rate following TARP procedures in patients with basilar invagination, and we believe that both can serve as predictors of surgical efficacy. We believe that planning the odontoid descent distance preoperatively may help to improve the efficacy of TARP operations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gejin Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,No. 303 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglong Shi
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyun Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Traumatic Orthopaedics of People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Traumatic Orthopaedics of People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingshui Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Traumatic Orthopaedics of People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zenghui Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Traumatic Orthopaedics of People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Mohamed MA, Majeske KD, Sachwani-Daswani G, Coffey D, Elghawy KM, Pham A, Scholten D, Wilson KL, Mercer L, McCann ML. Impact of MRI on changing management of the cervical spine in blunt trauma patients with a 'negative' CT scan. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2016; 1:e000016. [PMID: 29766060 PMCID: PMC5891701 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2016-000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Owing to the potential risks associated with missed injury, many blunt trauma patients with suspected cervical spine injury undergo some form of imaging technique which has progressed from primarily using plain radiography to relying on CT. Recently, studies have shown that in certain situations, adding MRI may improve the diagnostic accuracy over solely relying on CT. Methods Retrospective study of 3468 adult blunt trauma patients at a level I trauma center of which 94 with an initial negative CT scan underwent subsequent MRI. These 94 patients were classified as reliable or unreliable for examination; coded as either having a positive or negative MRI result; and assessed for a change in management. Results Of the 94 patients in the study population, 69 (73.4%) were deemed reliable and 25 (26.6%) deemed unreliable for examination. Overall, 65 (69.1%) patients had a positive MRI result—49 (71.0%) reliable and 16 (64.0%) unreliable—with some patients testing positive for more than one finding. There was no significant difference in positive MRI rates between reliable and unreliable patients. None of the 29 patients who had negative MRI had a change in management, while 31 of the 65 (47.7%) patients with positive MRI did have a change in management of either continued cervical collar immobilization or neck surgery. Conclusions The use of CT scans should be continued as the primary imaging technique for patients with suspected cervical spine injuries. In cases where obtundation or clinical suspicion exists for a false-negative CT scan, MRI should be considered as a supplement and should not be rejected solely based on the negative result of the CT. Level of evidence Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Leo Mercer
- Hurley Medical Center, Flint, Michigan, USA
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20
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Reich W, Surov A, Eckert AW. Maxillofacial trauma - Underestimation of cervical spine injury. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2016; 44:1469-78. [PMID: 27527678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Undiagnosed cervical spine injury can have devastating results. The aim of this study was to analyse patients with primary maxillofacial trauma and a concomitant cervical spine injury. It is hypothetised that cervical spine injury is predictable in maxillofacial surgery. A monocentric clinical study was conducted over a 10-year period to analyse patients with primary maxillofacial and associated cervical spine injuries. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, specific trauma and treatments provided were reviewed. Additionally a search of relevant international literature was conducted in PubMed by terms "maxillofacial" AND "cervical spine" AND "injury". Of 3956 patients, n = 3732 (94.3%) suffered from craniomaxillofacial injuries only, n = 174 (4.4%) from cervical spine injuries only, and n = 50 (1.3%) from both craniomaxillofacial and cervical spine injuries. In this study cohort the most prevalent craniofacial injuries were: n = 41 (44%) midfacial and n = 21 (22.6%) skull base fractures. Cervical spine injuries primarily affected the upper cervical spine column: n = 39 (58.2%) vs. n = 28 (41.8%). Only in 3 of 50 cases (6%), the cervical spine injury was diagnosed coincidentally, and the cervical spine column was under immobilised. The operative treatment rate for maxillofacial injuries was 36% (n = 18), and for cervical spine injuries 20% (n = 10). The overall mortality rate was 8% (n = 4). The literature search yielded only 12 papers (11 retrospective and monocentric cohort studies) and is discussed before our own results. In cases of apparently isolated maxillofacial trauma, maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of a low but serious risk of underestimating an unstable cervical spine injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Reich
- Department of Oral and Plastic Maxillofacial Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Alexey Surov
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Leipzig, Liebig Str. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Alexander Walter Eckert
- Department of Oral and Plastic Maxillofacial Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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21
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Malhotra A, Wu X, Kalra VB, Nardini HKG, Liu R, Abbed KM, Forman HP. Utility of MRI for cervical spine clearance after blunt traumatic injury: a meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 2016; 27:1148-1160. [PMID: 27334017 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4426-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify the rate of unstable injuries detected by MRI missed on CT in blunt cervical spine (CS) trauma patients and assess the utility of MRI in CS clearance. METHODS We undertook a systematic review of worldwide evidence across five major medical databases and performed a meta-analysis. Studies were included if they reported the number of unstable injuries or gave enough details for inference. Variables assessed included severity, CT/MRI specifications, imaging timing, and outcome/follow-up. Pooled incidences of unstable injury on follow-up weighted by inverse-of-variance among all included and obtunded or alert patients were reported. RESULTS Of 428 unique citations, 23 proved eligible, with 5,286 patients found, and 16 unstable injuries reported in five studies. The overall pooled incidence is 0.0029 %. Among studies reporting only obtunded patients, the pooled incidence is 0.017 %. In alert patients, the incidence is 0.011 %. All reported positive findings were critically reviewed, and only 11 could be considered truly unstable. CONCLUSIONS There is significant heterogeneity in the literature regarding the use of imaging after a negative CT. The finding rate on MRI for unstable injury is extremely low in obtunded and alert patients. Although MRI is frequently performed, its utility and cost-effectiveness needs further study. KEY POINTS • There were 16 unstable injuries on follow-up MRI among 5286 patients. • The positive finding rate among obtunded patients was 0.12 %. • The positive finding rate among alert, awake patients was 0.72 %. • MRI has a high false-positive rate; its utility mandates further studies. • The use and role of "confirmatory" tests shows wide variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Malhotra
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, Box 208042, New Haven, CT, 06520-8042, USA.
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, Box 208042, New Haven, CT, 06520-8042, USA
| | - Vivek B Kalra
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, Box 208042, New Haven, CT, 06520-8042, USA
| | - Holly K Grossetta Nardini
- Research and Education Librarian, Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Renu Liu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, Box 208042, New Haven, CT, 06520-8042, USA
| | - Khalid M Abbed
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery & Spine Tumor Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Howard P Forman
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, Box 208042, New Haven, CT, 06520-8042, USA
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Hu SY, Hsieh MS, Lin MY, Hsu CY, Lin TC, How CK, Wang CY, Tsai JCH, Wu YH, Chang YZ. Trends of CT utilisation in an emergency department in Taiwan: a 5-year retrospective study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010973. [PMID: 27279477 PMCID: PMC4908915 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between the trends of CT utilisation in an emergency department (ED) and changes in clinical imaging practice and patients' disposition. SETTING A hospital-based retrospective observational study of a public 1520-bed referral medical centre in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS Adult ED visits (aged ≥18 years) during 2009-2013, with or without receiving CT, were enrolled as the study participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES For all enrolled ED visits, we retrospectively analysed: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) triage categories, (3) whether CT was performed and the type of CT scan, (4) further ED disposition, (5) ED cost and (6) ED length of stay. RESULTS In all, 269 239 adult ED visits (148 613 male patients and 120 626 female patients) were collected during the 5-year study period, comprising 38 609 CT scans. CT utilisation increased from 11.10% in 2009 to 17.70% in 2013 (trend test, p<0.001). Four in 5 types of CT scan (head, chest, abdomen and miscellaneous) were increasingly utilised during the study period. Also, CT was increasingly ordered annually in all age groups. Although ED CT utilisation rates increased markedly, the annual ED visits did not actually increase. Moreover, the subsequent admission rate, after receiving ED CT, declined (59.9% in 2009 to 48.2% in 2013). CONCLUSIONS ED CT utilisation rates increased significantly during 2009-2013. Emergency physicians may be using CT for non-emergent studies in the ED. Further investigation is needed to determine whether increasing CT utilisation is efficient and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Yuan Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Center for Translational Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, College of Health, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shun Hsieh
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taoyuan Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Yu Lin
- Department of Radiology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiann-Yi Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chieh Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chorng-Kuang How
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jeffrey Che-Hung Tsai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hui Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Da-Jia Lee's General Hospital, Lee's Medical Corporation, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yuan-Li Lee's General Hospital, Lee's Medical Corporation, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Zin Chang
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Drug Testing Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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23
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Comparison of CT and MRI findings for cervical spine clearance in obtunded patients without high impact trauma. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2016; 145:106-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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24
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Tan LA, Kasliwal MK, Traynelis VC. Response to Letter to the Editor on the article “Comparison of CT and MRI findings for cervical spine clearance in obtunded patients without high impact trauma” (Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery 120 (2014), 23–26). Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2016; 145:107-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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25
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Grissom TE, Pierce B. Radiographic Imaging and Ultrasound in Early Trauma Management: Damage Control Radiology for the Anesthesiologist. CURRENT ANESTHESIOLOGY REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40140-016-0147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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26
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Acutely unstable cervical spine injury with normal CT scan findings: MRI detects ligamentous injury. J Clin Neurosci 2015; 24:165-7. [PMID: 26601812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
MRI can detect ligamentous injury not detectable with CT scan. The authors present a trauma patient with normal CT imaging despite dislocation on standing radiograph. MRI detected disruption of the C5-C6 posterior ligamentous complex that requires surgery.
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27
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Sixty-four-slice computed tomographic scan to clear cervical spine injury: Remember to examine the patient before clearing. J Crit Care 2015; 30:1143-4. [PMID: 26187497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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28
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Wu X, Forman HP, Kalra VB, Malhotra A. Letter to the Editor regarding "Sixty-Four-Slice Computed Tomographic Scanner to Clear Traumatic Cervical Spine Injury: Systematic Review of the Literature". J Crit Care 2015; 30:1141-2. [PMID: 26117219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, Box 208042, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06520-8042.
| | - Howard P Forman
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, Box 208042, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06520-8042.
| | - Vivek B Kalra
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, Box 208042, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06520-8042.
| | - Ajay Malhotra
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, Box 208042, Tompkins East 2, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06520-8042.
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McCutcheon L, Schmocker N, Blanksby K, Bhandary K, Deacon B, Reed W. Best Practice in Diagnostic Imaging after Blunt Force Trauma Injury to the Cervical Spine: A Systematic Review. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2015; 46:231-240. [PMID: 31052098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2015.01.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate best practice in evidence-based clinical examinations to determine the diagnostic efficacy of plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a cervical spine injury after blunt force trauma. METHODS A systematic review of recent literature was performed, with the intention of analysing only original research articles focusing on at least two imaging modalities or clinical decision guidelines in relation to blunt force trauma injuries involving the cervical spine. The search used the following databases: ProQuest Central, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. A total of 18 studies were identified as suitable for review; these were further supported by relevant secondary studies. RESULTS It was found that the National Emergency X-Radiology Utilization Study and the Canadian C-Spine Rule are both highly sensitive methods for screening patients after cervical spine injuries. CT was shown to have a higher validity than plain radiography and MRI for the detection of a bony cervical spine injury. MRI is recommended for obtunded or unevaluable patients with suspected neurologic deficit. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the literature appears to suggest that individuals with a suspected high risk of injury after examination using clinical decision rules should undergo a cervical CT examination. For patients who are found to have a low risk of injury after clinical decision guidelines, good-quality plain radiography is recommended as sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy McCutcheon
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Nicole Schmocker
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Kayla Blanksby
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Karishma Bhandary
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Benjamin Deacon
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Warren Reed
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia.
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Badhiwala JH, Lai CK, Alhazzani W, Farrokhyar F, Nassiri F, Meade M, Mansouri A, Sne N, Aref M, Murty N, Witiw C, Singh S, Yarascavitch B, Reddy K, Almenawer SA. Cervical spine clearance in obtunded patients after blunt traumatic injury: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med 2015; 162:429-37. [PMID: 25775316 DOI: 10.7326/m14-2351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical spine clearance protocols are controversial for unconscious patients after blunt traumatic injury and negative findings on computed tomography (CT). PURPOSE To review evidence about the utility of different cervical spine clearance protocols in excluding significant cervical spine injury after negative CT results in obtunded adults with blunt traumatic injury. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 through November 2014. STUDY SELECTION English-language studies that examined patients with negative CT results having confirmatory routine testing with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dynamic radiography, or clinical examination and that reported outcome measures of missed cervical spine injury, need for operative stabilization, or prolonged use of cervical collars. DATA EXTRACTION Independent reviewers evaluated the quality of studies and abstracted the data according to a predefined protocol. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 28 observational studies (3627 patients) that met eligibility criteria, 7 were prospective studies (1686 patients) with low risk of bias and well-interpreted, high-quality CT scans. These 7 studies showed that 0% of significant injuries were missed after negative CT results. The overall studies using confirmatory routine testing with MRI showed incidence rates of 0% to 1.5% for cervical spine instability (16 studies; 1799 patients), 0% to 7.3% for need for operative fixation (17 studies; 1555 patients), and 0% to 29.5% for prolonged collar use (16 studies; 1453 patients). LIMITATIONS Most studies were retrospective. Approaches to management of soft tissue changes with collars varied markedly. CONCLUSION Cervical spine clearance in obtunded adults after blunt traumatic injury with negative results from a well-interpreted, high-quality CT scan is probably a safe and efficient practice. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetan H. Badhiwala
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chung K. Lai
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Waleed Alhazzani
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Forough Farrokhyar
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Farshad Nassiri
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Maureen Meade
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Alireza Mansouri
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Niv Sne
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Mohammed Aref
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Naresh Murty
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Christopher Witiw
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sheila Singh
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Blake Yarascavitch
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kesava Reddy
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Saleh A. Almenawer
- From the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Patel MB, Humble SS, Cullinane DC, Day MA, Jawa RS, Devin CJ, Delozier MS, Smith LM, Smith MA, Capella JM, Long AM, Cheng JS, Leath TC, Falck-Ytter Y, Haut ER, Como JJ. Cervical spine collar clearance in the obtunded adult blunt trauma patient: a systematic review and practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2015; 78:430-41. [PMID: 25757133 PMCID: PMC4409130 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000000503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the use of the framework advocated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group, our aims were to perform a systematic review and to develop evidence-based recommendations that may be used to answer the following PICO [Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes] question:In the obtunded adult blunt trauma patient, should cervical collar removal be performed after a negative high-quality cervical spine (C-spine) computed tomography (CT) result alone or after a negative high-quality C-spine CT result combined with adjunct imaging, to reduce peri-clearance events, such as new neurologic change, unstable C-spine injury, stable C-spine injury, need for post-clearance imaging, false-negative CT imaging result on re-review, pressure ulcers, and time to cervical collar clearance? METHODS Our protocol was registered with the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews on August 23, 2013 (REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42013005461). Eligibility criteria consisted of adult blunt trauma patients 16 years or older, who underwent C-spine CT with axial thickness of less than 3 mm and who were obtunded using any definition.Quantitative synthesis via meta-analysis was not possible because of pre-post, partial-cohort, quasi-experimental study design limitations and the consequential incomplete diagnostic accuracy data. RESULTS Of five articles with a total follow-up of 1,017 included subjects, none reported new neurologic changes (paraplegia or quadriplegia) after cervical collar removal. There is a worst-case 9% (161 of 1,718 subjects in 11 studies) cumulative literature incidence of stable injuries and a 91% negative predictive value of no injury, after coupling a negative high-quality C-spine CT result with 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging, upright x-rays, flexion-extension CT, and/or clinical follow-up. Similarly, there is a best-case 0% (0 of 1,718 subjects in 11 studies) cumulative literature incidence of unstable injuries after negative initial imaging result with a high-quality C-spine CT. CONCLUSION In obtunded adult blunt trauma patients, we conditionally recommend cervical collar removal after a negative high-quality C-spine CT scan result alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic review, level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur B Patel
- From the Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (M.B.P.), Nashville VA Medical Center; Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care (M.B.P., S.S.H., M.A.S., T.C.L.), Department of Surgery, and Department of Neurosurgery (M.B.P., J.S.C.), Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences (M.A.D.), and Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation (C.J.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville; University of Tennessee Health Science Center (M.S.D.), College of Medicine, Memphis; and University General Surgeons (L.M.S.), University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee; Trauma Surgery Section (D.C.C.), Department of Surgery, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin; Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care (R.S.J.), Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Trauma Service (J.M.C.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Altoona, Altoona, Pennsylvania; Department of Surgery (A.M.L.), Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon, Georgia; VA Healthcare System of Ohio (Y.F.-Y.), Cleveland VA Medical Center; Division of Gastroenterology (Y.F.-Y.), Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; and Division of Trauma, Critical Care, and Burns (J.J.C.), Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Departments of Surgery, Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine, and Emergency Medicine (E.R.H.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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