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Cervical spine injury — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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HardTraumaCervical spine injuryMCCQE Part 1

A 25-year-old cyclist crashes and has neck pain but is alert, haemodynamically stable, and neurologically intact. He has midline cervical tenderness after a high-speed mechanism. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: C — CT cervical spine

High-risk mechanism and midline cervical tenderness warrant cervical spine imaging, and CT is preferred in many adult trauma settings. Normal neurology does not exclude unstable fracture. Flexion-extension films are not appropriate acutely. Carotid Doppler does not evaluate bony cervical injury.

Reference: Canadian C-Spine Rule; CAEP trauma guidance