Diagnostic radiology techniques for cervical spine injuries (review article)

Abstract

Injury of the cervical spine is an important medical and social problem due to the tendency to increase number and severity of injuries and high disability of patients. According to various sources, the incidence of injuries in this area is about 55 % of all spinal injuries. In addition, the diagnosis of injuries of the cervical spine is often difficult due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the cervical spine, fixing devices, as well as the forced position of the patient. Therefore, it is important to have an idea of various research methods for the timely, competent construction of a diagnostic algorithm in case of suspected injury to the cervical spine and the early start of therapeutic measures. Presented literature review provides information on modern techniques of diagnostic radiology for injuries of the cervical spine. Such methods as radiography, computed tomography, CT myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used in modern medicine individually or in combination to diagnose injuries of the cervical spine of various nature. We describe their advantages, disadvantages and possibilities of complex use in diagnostics.