A 25-year-old man has neck pain and tenderness after a diving accident. He is alert and haemodynamically stable. There is no neurological deficit. Wha...

Question

A 25-year-old man has neck pain and tenderness after a diving accident. He is alert and haemodynamically stable. There is no neurological deficit. What is the most appropriate management regarding his cervical spine?

Accepted Answer

Keep the cervical spine immobilised and arrange CT of the cervical spine

Answer

Remove the collar if he is not complaining of severe pain

Answer

Order only plain cervical spine X-rays and discharge if normal

Answer

Ask him to actively flex and extend his neck to assess pain

Answer

Give analgesia and no imaging is required

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Cervical spine trauma

A 25-year-old man has neck pain and tenderness after a diving accident. He is alert and haemodynamically stable. There is no neurological deficit. What is the most appropriate management regarding his cervical spine?