Is Cervical Spine Imaging Indicated in Gunshot Wounds to the Cranium

BACKGROUND, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Because there is no consensus regarding the necessity of imaging the cervical spine of patients who sustain a gunshot wound to the cranium, the cervical spinal radiographs of 53 consecutive patients with gunshot wounds to the cranium admitted to Hermann Hospital, a Level I trauma center, from January of 1993 to January of 1996, were reviewed. RESULTS: The cervical spine radiographs of all 53 patients were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical spine injury is not associated with gunshot wound to the cranium. Therefore, patient management decisions/procedures, including endotracheal intubation, should not be delayed pending cervical spine imaging.