Imaging of cervical spine trauma

The cervical spine, supporting such critical structures as the medulla, spinal cord, and cervical nerve roots, can be very challenging to image propertly because of its complex structural anatomy and superimposition of bony and soft tissue parts. In this article, the use and value of the various modalities that image the cervical spine are discussed. Plain radiography remains the best screening tool in the initial evaluation of the cervical spine after trauma. Additional views, such as swimmer's, pillar and lateral flexion, and extension, often are helpful in certain circumstances.