Computed Tomography Alone May Clear the Cervical Spine in Obtunded Blunt Trauma Patients: A Prospective Evaluation of a Revised Protocol

Cervical spine (CS) clearance in obtunded blunt trauma patients (OBTPs) remains controversial. When computed tomography (CT) of the CS is negative for injury, debate continues over the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Use of MRI in OBTPs is costly, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. Our study evaluated the safety of a protocol to discontinue the cervical collar in OBTPs based on CT scan alone.A prospective study was performed...