Abstract

PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of the cross table lateral cervical X-ray used in the emergency department for severely traumatized Korean patients.
METHODS
Patients visiting our institution from May 2011 to May 2012, who had injury severity score (ISS) > 15 and who received a cervical X-ray in the emergency department, were included in this study. Data including demographics, ISS score, GCS score, and place where the x-ray was taken were collected to evaluate their relationship with appropriate coverage of the cervical X-ray. The appropriateness of a cervical cross lateral view X-ray was evaluated using exposure of the basion, and the opisthion, as well as the distal level of exposure.
RESULTS
Fifty-two patients were included in this study. The identification rate of the basion was 79.2%, and the identification rate of the opisthion was 88.7%. Complete exposure of C7/T1 was accomplished in 3.8% of the patients. The ISS was higher for X-ray taken in the trauma bay, but the range of exposure showed no difference between the places where the X-rays taken. Patients who had exposure of C 5/6 or more had lower body weight and body mass index (BMI) compared with unexposed patients.
CONCLUSION
In severely traumatized Korean patients, the adequacy of the cross table lateral cervical X-ray was inappropriate in most cases. No difference was observed in the exposure range between the places where the X-rays were taken, and patients with less exposure showed higher body weight and higher BMI.

• Keywords: Multiple traumaCervical vertebraeRadiography