CT在颈椎损伤中的诊断价值

目的：探讨CT扫描在颈椎损伤中的诊断价值。方法：回顾性分析32例颈椎损伤的CT与平片检查资料。结果：骨折28例（其中6例伴脱位）,单纯脱位4例,合并伤10例。结论：CT对颈椎损伤的检出率明显高于平片,能清晰显示其损伤的细节,并对判断失稳及椎管狭窄的程度均有重要价值。     

Computed tomography for cervical spine trauma. The impact of MDCT on fracture detection and dose deposition

A multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was installed in our department. Referral rates, examination protocols and detection rates of abnormal findings in CT examinations for cervical spine trauma 6 months before and 6 months after MDCT installation were compared to look for changes in practice. Retrospective analysis of all CT cervical spine examinations in patients with multiple trauma over two contiguous 6-month periods: from July 2003 to December 2003 (helical CT) and from January 2004 to June 2004 (MDCT). Variables recorded were number of CT examinations performed, scan plane coverage and traumatic abnormalities detected. Phantom dosimetry measurements for cervical spine examination in both helical CT and MDCT were compared. One hundred and fifty four patients underwent cervical spine CT during these periods. Helical CT period: of 91 patients undergoing CT cervical spine examination for trauma, 65 (71%) were complete cervical examinations and 26 (29%) were level-specific examinations. Eight patients (9%) had cervical spine fracture, six of which were apparent on radiographs. Dose estimations for thyroid, lens and breast were 24.76, 1.86 and 0.21 mGy, respectively, for complete cervical spine examinations. MDCT period: of 63 patients who underwent CT cervical spine examination for trauma, 61 (97%) were complete examinations and 2 (3%) were level-specific examinations. Six patients (11%) had cervical spine fracture, three of which were apparent on radiographs. Dose estimations for thyroid, lens and breast were 75.8, 9.7 and 0.7 mGy, respectively, for complete cervical spine examinations, which were notably higher than those for helical CT. After installation of MDCT, clinical requests for complete examination of the cervical spine following trauma increased. This changing trend resulted in a significantly higher radiation dose to thyroid, lens and breast.     

Upper cervical spine fracture: sources of misdiagnosis

PURPOSE: Missing cervical spine fractures during the initial plain film study may lead to severe neurological complications for patients and to medicolegal responsibilities for the physician. The upper cervical spine tract (C1-C2) is considered to be at high risk for misdiagnoses. We decided to investigate the possible causes of mistake in the cases of missed fractures on the initial plain film, performed in the emergency room. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiological reports, the original plain films and the CT findings, of 32 patients with upper cervical (C1-C2) fractures, admitted January 1994 to December 1998. Twenty-eight of these patients (87.5%) had multisystem trauma, 4 (12.5%) had minor craniocervical trauma. None of these patients had neurological signs correlated to the cervical injuries, 30 of them had normal consciousness and reported only neck pain, 2 of them were unconscious for the associated head trauma and were hospitalized in the intensive care unit. All the patients with normal consciousness underwent conventional three-view cervical spine radiography; the two unconscious patients in the intensive care unit were submitted to bedside examination with an anteroposterior and a lateral views of the cervical spine. All patients underwent spiral CT of the upper cervical tract. RESULTS: In 9 of 32 patients (28%) a cervical fracture was missed on the plain film and CT was performed only because of persistent neck pain. We found 2 Jefferson's fractures, 2 type II dens fractures, one type I dens fracture and 4 hangman's fractures. In 8 of the 9 patients (89%) the fracture was potentially unstable. Misdiagnoses resulted from overlapping bone structures (3%), suboptimal film quality (3%), satisfaction of search phenomenon (3%), missed mild tilting of the dens (6%), missed double cortex sign (16%), missed C1-C2 lateral subluxation (6%) and marked osteoporosis (3%). Prevertebral soft tissue swelling was not seen in any of the 9 cases of missed fractures. Considering the group of patients with C1-C2 fractures separately, the false negative rate is 28%, which corresponds to 10.7% of the total number of patients with cervical fractures and dislocations examined during the same period. CONCLUSIONS: Among the causes of false-negative interpretation, osteoporosis, suboptimal film quality due to associated fractures and overlapping bone structures must be considered unavoidable. On the other hand these possibilities should be indicated on the X-ray report because, if painful symptoms persist, a CT exam is strongly advised. Subtle alterations like dens tilting, double cortex sign, lateral subluxation of C1 and prevertebral soft tissue swelling should be regarded as highly suspicious for fracture. Missing these lesions might be considered a true diagnostic mistake with possible legal consequences, which may also expose the patient to the risk of neurological complications. The satisfaction of search phenomenon can be avoided only by trying to use a search pattern for every film, which includes checking all the visible anatomical structures even in the presence of a particularly evident lesion. In all questionable cases or high-risk fracture patients, even with an apparently negative plain film, it is advisable to perform CT instead of additional plain films. Finally, in all the patients treated in the intensive care unit for head trauma, an upper cervical CT scan should be routinely carried out at the same time as the brain scan.     

Extension corner avulsion fracture of the cervical spine

The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic findings and clinical significance of the extension corner avulsion fracture (ECAF) of the cervical spine and to defined the role of the plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of this injury in order to establish a radiographic protocol. Imaging studies of the cervical spine (including plain radiographs, CT scans, and MRI examinations) and medical records of 31 patients from two major trauma centers were reviewed retrospectively. Twentyeight (90%) of 33 ECAFs occurred at C2. Two patients (7%) had ECAF at more than one level. Ten patients (32%) had additional cervical injuries. Traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2 was the most common associated cervical injury (10%). Seven patients (23%) had associated thoracolumbar injuries. Although all available sagittal reformations demonstrated characteristic fracture, axial CT images failed to demonstrate the fracture in three cases, but, in one patient, they revealed other clinically insignificant fractures not appreciated on plain radiographs. MRI was noncontributory in cases of isolated ECAF. Five patients (16%) had neurologic deficits, with three localized to the cervical region. ECAF occurs most commonly at C2, typically does not result in direct neurologic injury, and is characterized radiographically by a triangular-shaped anteroinferior corner fracture fragment with associated soft tissue swelling. In most cases, ECAF can be adequately assessed by plain radiography. CT and MRI should be reserved for patients with complex fracture patterns or neurologic symptoms.     

The diagnostic performance of a PC-based teleradiology link.

AIM: Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of a personal computer based teleradiology link. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experienced radiologists assessed 100 cases, all based on chest and skeletal films using teleradiology for 50. These assessments were compared with the consensus of a panel of three independent radiologists. RESULTS: Diagnostic performance of teleradiology and conventional film was similar (sensitivity 88 vs. 90%; specificity 96 vs. 90%; accuracy 91 vs. 90%; not significant). However, the quality of teleradiology images was rated poorer, and the confidence in diagnosis was lower with teleradiology. ROC curve analysis, taking into account diagnostic confidence, showed significantly poorer performance for teleradiology at all thresholds when chest X-rays only were considered. There was no significant difference for skeletal images, although the two smooth curves crossed, suggesting teleradiology might be better when the specificity is high. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that when this type of teleradiology system is used, the value of rapid reporting must be balanced against poorer image quality, particularly for chest X-rays.     

经皮气管切开在颈椎骨折合并呼吸障碍中的应用

目的探讨经皮气管切开(IPDT)在颈椎骨折并呼吸功能障碍患者救治中的应用价值。方法收集本院2003—2010年收治的39例颈椎骨折,使用传统气管切开术(ST)22例,使用IPDT 17例,比较两组术中一般情况及并发症情况。结果IPDT组在手术时间、出血量、切口大小及甲状腺误伤率方面明显优于ST组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);IPDT组的皮下气肿、切口溢痰、气管狭窄、套管脱出的发生率均明显低于ST组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 经皮气管切开具有手术时间短、创伤小、出血量少、手术并发症发生率少等优点,且手术过程安全、可靠,在颈椎骨折合并呼吸功能障碍患者中可作为首选的气道开放的方法。     

CT图像三维重建在复杂颈椎骨折的诊断和治疗中的应用价值

目的 直观立体地显示复杂颈椎骨折的图像,探讨螺旋CT医学图像三维重建在复杂颈椎骨折诊断中的价值及其对手术的指导意义。方法 对113例颈椎骨折采用螺旋CT进行薄层扫描和三维重建进行诊断。CT扫描全部采用Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 16型多排高速螺旋CT机,1.0mm层厚。扫描所得断层资料,通过网络传送至计算机工作站处理。采用Window.NT 3.51平台上Insight三维重建软件进行三维重建。结果 三维CT图像能够围绕X轴和Z轴任意旋转、切割,以从不同角度观察,能够清晰显示复杂的颈椎骨折和狭窄椎管的解剖形态特点。结论 三维CT重建在颈椎骨折方面具有较大的临床应用价值,有助于提高颈椎骨折手术的安全性和精确性,并对患者预后的估计提供帮助。     

Flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine: radiographic characteristics

Teardrop fracture of the cervical spine is a confusing and loosely used term, often referring to any fracture with a triangular fragment in the involved body. The flexion teardrop fracture is a specific entity that should not be confused with other types of injury with a teardrop fragment. In a radiographic analysis of 45 patients with flexion teardrop fracture, the most characteristic feature was posterior displacement of the upper column of the divided cervical spine, observed in 78% of the cases. Other radiographic characteristics included backward displacement of the posterior fragment of the involved body, widening of the interlaminar and interspinous spaces, widening of the facet joint with backward displacement of the inferior facet, and kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine at the level of injury. The injury was frequently associated with sagittal-body and laminar fractures and occurred predominantly at the C5 level.     

动态ABC颈椎前路钛板在颈椎骨折脱位中的应用

目的 探讨动态ABC颈椎前路钛板在颈椎骨折脱位中的应用价值和治疗效果。方法 14例颈椎骨折脱位患者经前路减压植骨及动态ABC颈椎前路钛板内固定治疗,经随访观察神经损伤功能恢复、钛板螺钉位置、椎间高度、植骨融合情况等指标。结果 随访9-14个月,植骨间隙融合,融合部位椎间高度无明显塌陷,神经功能恢复较好。未发生螺钉拔出、钛板松动、植骨块吸收、假关节形成等并发症。结论 动态ABC颈椎前路钛板能达到术后的即刻稳定性,促进植骨融合,是有效的颈椎前路内固定方法。     

上颈椎骨折脱位治疗的相关问题

上颈椎损伤通常指C1～3的损伤,常见的上颈椎损伤包括寰枕关节脱位、横韧带损伤、寰枢关节脱位、寰椎骨折、枢椎齿状突骨折、枢椎创伤性滑脱、侧块骨折、椎体骨折,以及同时伴有上述骨折脱位的叠加损伤。由于上颈椎的解剖结构复杂,且与多种重要的组织结构毗邻,如延髓和脊髓等,急性严重的上颈椎损伤如合并中枢神经损伤,通常是致命的,同时由于上颈椎椎管管径相对较大,故生存患者神经损伤的概率比下颈椎损伤患者要小。近年来,上颈椎损伤的诊疗取得了可喜的进步,手术治疗手段逐渐增多,而且许多以往治疗较为困难或被视为风险极大的术式已逐渐被认识和接受。本刊特邀了几位在上颈椎有较深造诣的专家介绍上颈椎损伤的诊疗经验。     

无脊髓损伤的颈椎骨折脱位临床研究

目的探讨无脊髓损伤的颈椎骨折脱位的发病机制及手术治疗方法。方法 32例无脊髓损伤的颈椎骨折或骨折脱位,其中新鲜损伤26例,陈旧性损伤6例。其中28例手术治疗,4例非手术治疗。结果术后全部病例均获随访观察,26例完全恢复,6例残留手指麻木和局部不适。植骨在3个月内牢固融合。颈椎椎间高度、生理曲度维持良好,无断钉及断板等并发症。结论对于无脊髓损伤的颈椎骨折脱位发病机制特殊,手术治疗可使不稳的颈椎获得即刻的稳定性,有效地防止脊髓的继发性损伤。     

颈椎钩突骨折的损伤机制与治疗

目的　探讨颈椎钩突骨折的损伤机制及诊治特点。　方法　回顾分析自 1976年 1月至 1999年 12月收治的 9例颈椎钩突骨折 ,其中男 4例 ,女 5例 ;年龄 18～ 31岁 ,平均 2 3.5岁。单侧颈椎钩突骨折 5例 ,双侧颈椎钩突骨折 2例 ,同侧 2个颈椎钩突骨折 2例。C5钩突骨折 4例次 ,C6 钩突骨折 7例次。非手术治疗 3例 ,手术治疗 6例。全组获随访 3～ 2 4年 ,平均 11年。结果　本组手术治疗患者效果优良 ;非手术治疗患者遗留不同程度颈痛、头晕、手麻等症状 ,其中 2例患者 30岁时有明显颈椎退变 ,3例患者 35岁时均诊断为颈椎病。　结论　本组颈椎钩突骨折的损伤机制是由于颈部的瞬时旋转和侧屈暴力造成 ,且有颈部侧屈和 (或 )旋转位受伤史。一旦颈椎左右侧屈正位片X线检查发现一侧椎间隙增宽 (>2mm) ,应行CT检查明确诊断 ,CT扫描层厚最好控制在 2mm。该种骨折如果治疗不当 ,将明显提前颈椎病发生时间     

强直性脊柱炎颈椎骨折的临床特征分析和诊断

目的探讨强直性脊柱炎颈椎骨折或脱位的临床特征和诊断中应该注意的问题。方法回顾性分析1986年4月-2004年4月手术治疗累及颈椎的强直性脊柱炎合并颈椎骨折或脱位12例，采用美国脊柱损伤学会（ASIA）神经功能障碍评分评价神经功能，总结临床特征和诊断。结果（1）损伤原因及特征：12例骨折中只有1例为严重外力所致；均为单个运动节段的损伤，其中发生在C6-7之间者为50％；累及前中柱的患者中，经过椎间盘的损伤7例，既经过椎间盘又经过椎体的损伤2例，经过椎体的损伤2例。12例患者中，稳定型损伤3例，不稳定型损伤9例。合并脊髓损伤9例，其中不完全性脊髓损伤7例，完全性脊髓损伤2例，均为治疗过程中颈椎固定不可靠所致的继发损伤。（2）正确诊断率：发生在C6-7水平者X线平片的正确诊断率为17％，C5-6水平者50％，以上者100％；CT100％，MRI 92％。仅有1例合并后纵韧带骨化。结论强直性脊柱炎累及颈椎时颈椎发生骨折和脱位的可能性较大，致伤外力较小；如果发生骨与关节的损伤，多数为不稳定型损伤，神经损伤的可能性较大，容易造成继发损伤。骨与关节损伤多数位于C6-7水平，普通X线平片容易漏诊，骨折脱位一旦漏诊，可能由于随之而来的继发性神经损伤使脊髓损伤出现或加重，导致严重后果。     

Diagnostic performance of CT colonography for the detection of colorectal polyps.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of CT colonography for the detection of colorectal polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2004 to December 2005, 399 patients underwent CT colonography and follow-up conventional colonoscopy. We excluded cases of advanced colorectal cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the CT colonography findings and follow-up conventional colonoscopy findings of 113 patients who had polyps more than 6 mm in diameter. Radiologists using 3D and 2D computer generated displays interpreted the CT colonography images. The colonoscopists were aware of the CT colonography findings before the procedure. RESULTS: CT colonography detected 132 polyps in 107 of the 113 patients and conventional colonoscopy detected 114 colorectal polyps more than 6 mm in diameter in 87 of the 113 patients. The sensitivity of CT colonography analyzed per polyp was 91% (41/45) for polyps more than 10 mm in diameter and 89% (101/114) for polyps more than 6 mm in diameter. Thirteen polyps were missed by CT colonography and were detected on follow-up conventional colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: CT colonography is a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of colorectal polyps and adequate bowel preparation, optimal bowel distention and clinical experience are needed to reduce the rate of missing appropriate lesions.     

Normal movements of the cervical spine.

This paper describes a technique for analyzing movement of the cervical spine. The method consists of superimposition of two films representing the cervical spine in the end positions of the movement under investigation (e.g., flexion and extension). From tracings of selected structures, movement is represented in the form of movement diagrams. Knowledge of cervical spine dynamics is helpful in understanding muscle and ligament function as well as the shape of components in various postures.     

MR myelography of the cervical spine.

In previous studies, magnetic resonance (MR) myelography was not effective in the cervical region. However, effective cervical MR myelography is possible with a modified fast spin-echo sequence (8,000/360 [repetition time msec/effective echo time msec], four signals averaged, echo train length of 24). In a clinical study of this protocol, MR myelography was performed as an additional sequence following conventional MR imaging; composite images were obtained with a maximum-intensity projection algorithm. The MR myelographic sequence added only 8.5 minutes to the total imaging time and yielded information not provided by MR imaging in 13% of patients. MR myelography was especially valuable in demonstrating abnormal intraspinal vascularity and in guiding patient treatment by providing detailed preoperative information about intradural masses and posttraumatic and postoperative diverticulum and meningocele. This MR myelographic technique is a useful adjunct to MR imaging, especially in cases in which the more detailed information provided will be helpful in the analysis of complex intraspinal disease.     

Unilateral locked facet in cervical spine injuries.

Among 525 patients who sustained trauma to the cervical spinal cord, 86 (16%) had unilateral locking of facets. If the diagnosis is not promptly made, neurological recovery of root deficit will be impaired and orthopedic deformity will result. Since there is often only minimal forward displacement at the site of dislocation, it is possible not only to miss the locking of facets but even to erroneously conclude that no fracture or dislocation is present. Rotation of the cervical spine above the level of dislocation results in a diagnostic appearance on the lateral view. Rotation of the spinous processes was seen in the anteroposterior view in only one-third of the cases. The necessity of obtaining x-rays which adequately demonstrate the lower cervical spine is emphasized and the technique briefly described.