![]() ![]() Restricting movement of the spine is recommended to prevent damage to the spinal cord. Patients with a suspected thoracolumbar fracture must be managed as per ATLS guidance, including appropriate immobilisation. *For plain film radiographs, 2 separate views are required, with the AP looking at the alignment of the spinous processes and for any widening or displacement of the pedicles, whilst the lateral view assesses overall alignment, vertebral body height, and spacing between the posterior bony elements Pathological causes should be suspected, especially in younger cases or in those following low-impact injuries, and further work-up, including a serum calcium and myeloma screen, may be warranted. Whilst CT imaging has become the mainstay for cervical fracture diagnosis, MRI imaging is also useful to assess for concurrent injury of soft tissue structures of the spine, such as the intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots and posterior ligaments. If a new spinal column fracture is confirmed, image the rest of the spinal column.Perform a CT scan if the radiograph is abnormal or there are clinical signs or symptoms suggestive of a spinal column injury.Perform a plain film radiograph* as the first‑line investigation for those with suspected spinal column injury without abnormal neurological signs or symptoms.Current NICE guidelines state that the following imaging should be completed: ![]()
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