Who is at risk for cervical spine injury?
Any patient who sustains significant blunt injury and some individuals with penetrating neck injuries are at risk for cervical spine fracture. The ATLS program has emphasized that individuals with blunt injury above the clavicles have a significant risk of associated cervical spine fracture. The problem involves defining precisely “significant” risk. The association of supraclavicular injury and cervical spine injury has been assumed for many years and quoted to be as high as 33%. This author’s review of his personal experience of approximately 7500 patients over 60 months discovered that 13% of patients with cervical spine fractures had an additional injury above the clavicle.” A 16% incidence of cervical spine injury associated with head injury in fatal accidents was reported by Alker and colleagues.’ Buchoiz et a 12 noted that cervical spine injuries were frequently associated with head injury sustained in fatal automobile crashes. Kip and Hunter’ reported a 33% association of facia
