Type and screen/cross, labs including pancreatic enzymes if thoraco-lumbar location
Indications to Image Thoracic and<unk>  Spine after Trauma
Mechanism
Gunshot, High energy trauma, Motor vehicle crash with rollover or ejection, Fall >10 ft or 3 m, Pedestrian hit by car
Physical Exam
Midline back pain, Midline focal tenderness, Evidence of spinal cord or nerve root deficit
Associated injuries
Cervical<unk>  ribe<unk>  aortic injuries, hollow viscus injuries
Plain radiographs or CT scan to evaluate for body abnormality
Can reformat Chest and Abdomen CT to look at thoracic,<unk>  spine
MRI is diagnostic test of choice to evaluate patients with nerve injury
CT myelography alternative when MRI unavailable
anterior vertebral body compression<unk> with extension through middle of vertebral body into posterior wall
Compression<unk> + increased posterior interspinous spaces caused by distraction
Mechanism
Gunshot, High energy trauma, Motor vehicle crash with rollover or ejection, Fall >10 ft or 3 m, Pedestrian hit by car
Physical Exam
Midline back pain, Midline focal tenderness, Evidence of spinal cord or nerve root deficit
Associated injuries
Cervical<unk>  ribe<unk>  aortic injuries, hollow viscus injuries
Gunshot, High energy trauma, Motor vehicle crash with rollover or ejection, Fall >10 ft or 3 m, Pedestrian hit by car
Midline back pain, Midline focal tenderness, Evidence of spinal cord or nerve root deficit
Cervical<unk>  ribe<unk>  aortic injuries, hollow viscus injuries
10% of patients with a spine<unk> have second<unk> in a different segment
CT IF:
Compression
Wedge
>50% height (rule out middle column & burst)
Thoracic and lumbar fractures and dislocations
Airway/Pulmonary
Vertebral fractures and dislocations
Bronchial injury
Thoracic and lumbar compression fractures
Diaphragmatic trauma
Cervical fractures and dislocations
Hemothorax