Cervical spine computed tomography motion artifact mimicking spine injury in a patient with severe head injury

Craniocervical CT scan is an essential part of the routine evaluation of patient with moderate and severe head injury to rule out associated cervical spine injury. Computed tomography motion artifacts can affect clinical decision making. The aim of this report is to emphasize that motion artifact st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSurgical neurology international Vol. 12; p. 390
Main Authors Okunlola, Abiodun Idowu, Abiola, Paul Olukayode, Babalola, Olakunle Fatai, Achebe, Chijioke Cosmas
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Scientific Scholar 03.08.2021
Subjects
Case Report
Motion artifact
Cervical spine X-ray
Computed tomography
Head injury
Cervical spine
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Summary:Craniocervical CT scan is an essential part of the routine evaluation of patient with moderate and severe head injury to rule out associated cervical spine injury. Computed tomography motion artifacts can affect clinical decision making. The aim of this report is to emphasize that motion artifact still exists despite advance in technology and this can pose clinical challenge. A 20-year-old man presented to our facility with severe head injury GCS 8. Craniocervical CT scan reported 75% C3 on C4 anterior subluxation and urgent spinal stabilization surgery was recommended. A static lateral cervical spine X-ray showed normal bony alignment. He was successfully managed and dynamic studies after recovery were normal. Cervical spine CT motion artifact can lead to unneeded surgery but routine clinical evaluation and cervical spine static and dynamic X-rays may be sufficient to resolve the puzzle.
ISSN:2229-5097
2152-7806
2152-7806
DOI:10.25259/SNI_449_2021