Safety of CT Alone Debated for Obtunded Blunt Trauma

There was a 90% reduction in the occurrence of cervical spine decubitus ulcers, from 5.2% in the previous cohort to 0.5%. Hospital length of stay also decreased, from a mean of 23.4 days under the old protocol to 13.8 days. The difference in hospital stay is not attributable entirely to the change in spinal clearance protocol, but could also reflect differences in the populations not accounted for by age, gender, or injury severity.

The mean age of the patients was 48 years in the current cohort vs. 44 years in the previous cohort; males composed 73% vs. 78% of the respective cohorts; and the mean Injury Severity Scores were 23.2 vs. 24.4.

Dr. Leukhardt acknowledged that the study was limited by the lack of uniformity of longitudinal follow-up, lack of physician follow-up in some patients, and loss of some patients to follow-up.

Disclosures: Dr. Leukhardt and his colleagues disclosed no study sponsorship or relevant conflicts of interest.

'I believe CT is a safe practice, and in this population, it is reasonable to use MRI only in patients where it is indicated.'

Source DR. LEUKHARDT