Imaging of the Cervical Spine > Learning Objectives

Objectives

1. Understand the importance of cervical spine radiographic studies.
2. Know the indications for different cervical spine imaging modalities.
3. Develop an approach to reading cervical spine films.
4. Know the normal anatomy of the cervical spinal region.
5. Identify the ten most common cervical spine fractures (anterior subluxation, unilateral facet dislocation, bilateral facet dislocation, wedge compression fracture, flexion teardrop fracture, Clay Shoveler's fracture, hangman's fracture, Jefferson fracture, burst fracture, and odontoid fracture.
6. Be able to classify cervical spinal fractures based on the mechanism of injury and stability.