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Canadian C-spine Rule high-risk criterion — RCPSC EM MCQ

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ModerateTraumaCanadian C-spine Rule high-risk criterionRCPSC EM

CTAS 3: A 68-year-old rear-seat passenger was in a side-impact MVC. He is alert with GCS 15 and stable vitals. He has midline cervical tenderness but no neurological deficit. He can rotate his neck 45 degrees both ways after analgesia. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: A — CT cervical spine

Age 65 years or older is a high-risk criterion in the Canadian C-spine Rule. Stable alert patients meeting a high-risk criterion need cervical spine imaging.

Reference: Canadian C-spine Rule; Royal College EM Objectives