IMAGING OF ACUTE INJURIES OF THE CERVICAL-SPINE - VALUE OF PLAIN RADIOGRAPHY, CT, AND MR-IMAGING

Imaging of injuries of the cervical spine has undergone substantial ch anges in the past 10 years. The use of CT and MR imaging has been emph asized by many authors. Other studies have stressed the proper use and interpretation of plain radiographs in the emergency setting. There i s confusion about whether plain films, CT, or MR imaging is best used to evaluate specific injuries. This review explores the usefulness of CT and MR imaging in the diagnosis and management of acute injuries of the cervical spine and emphasizes the continued importance of convent ional radiography. Specific examples that illustrate the relative meri ts of plain radiography, CT, and MR imaging are shown.