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.