IS CERVICAL-SPINE IMAGING INDICATED IN GUNSHOT WOUNDS TO THE CRANIUM

Background, Materials and Methods: Because there is no consensus regar ding the necessity of imaging the cervical spine of patients who susta in a gunshot wound to the cranium, the cervical spinal radiographs of 53 consecutive patients with gunshot wounds to the cranium admitted to Hermann Hospital, a Level I trauma center, from January of 1993 to Ja nuary of 1996, were reviewed. Results: The cervical spine radiographs of all 53 patients were negative. Conclusions: Cervical spine injury i s not associated with gunshot wound to the cranium. Therefore, patient management decisions/procedures, including endotracheal intubation, s hould not be delayed pending cervical spine imaging.