[Computed tomography after injuries of the cervical and upper thoracic spine (author's transl)].

Computed tomography (CT) of the cervical and upper thoracic region was performed in 20 patients with serious spinal trauma; in a further two patients CT was carried out to demonstrate or localise a paravertebral foreign body. CT was shown to improve diagnosis of spinal injuries: 1. The patient remained supine during the examination in a stable position. 2. The neural arches were well demonstrated. 3. Vertical fractures through the bodies can be shown with certainty. 4. All dimensions of the spinal canal can be evaluated. 5. Intra- and extra-spinal bone fragments and foreign bodies can be localised accurately. 6. Traumatic changes in the paravertebral soft tissues are visible. 7. The intraspinal soft tissues can be seen to some extent.