A 25-year-old man presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He is alert, ambulatory at the scene, has no midline cervical ...

Question

A 25-year-old man presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He is alert, ambulatory at the scene, has no midline cervical tenderness, no neurological deficit, no intoxication and no distracting injury. According to the Canadian C-Spine Rule, what is the appropriate management of his cervical spine?

Accepted Answer

Clinically clear the cervical spine without imaging

Answer

Order cervical spine radiographs for all trauma patients

Answer

Order CT cervical spine in all patients regardless of risk

Answer

Keep cervical collar until MRI is done

Answer

Admit for observation and delay imaging

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Cervical spine clearance