A plea for routine radiographic examination of the cervical spine after head injury

Patients with unrecognized fractures of the cervical spine associated with head injuries run the risk of developing spinal cord compression and paralysis while undergoing treatment. A case history demonstrating such a sequence of events is presented. The frequent association of fractures of the cervical spine and trauma to the head is discussed. Routine radiographic examination of the cervical spine in all patients who have sustained significant injuries to the head or face is advocated. The technique for performing simple lateral radiography of the cervical spine without moving the patient is described.