Imaging of cervical spine injuries in athletes

Trauma of the cervical spine is one of the most harrowing injuries seen in athletics. Although such injuries are not common, their impact can be devastating. Based on a thorough review of the literature, this article explains the identification of cervical spine trauma and the importance of stability therein. Multiple examples are given highlighting these findings and the way that multiple modalities can be used to asses such injuries. The article concludes with a brief review of the current recommendations as they relate to imaging in the initial assessment of cervical spine trauma.