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Pseudofractures due to Nec-Loc cervical immobilization collar
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-9986.
Skeletal Radiology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Plastic rivets on the Nec-Loc cervical collar can mimic fractures on X-rays. Radiologists should recognize this artifact to prevent misdiagnosing cervical fractures and consider repeat imaging if uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Cervical immobilization collars are crucial for suspected spinal injuries.
- The Nec-Loc collar is a widely used device for cervical stabilization.
Observation:
- Plastic rivets on the Nec-Loc collar create linear lucencies on radiographs.
- These lucencies can appear superimposed on cervical vertebrae.
Findings:
- The lucencies generated by the Nec-Loc collar can mimic cervical spine fractures.
- In some cases, the artifact's source may be difficult to identify definitively.
Implications:
- Awareness of this artifact is essential for radiologists to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Removing the collar and repeating the radiograph can resolve diagnostic uncertainty.