Cervical X-ray (musculoskeletal imaging in primary care)
- Cervical spine x-rays
- should be performed in trauma, to assess bony alignment - e.g. in rheumatoid patients (flexion and extension lateral views) - and to delineate osteoarthritis (OA)
- in non-traumatic acute neck pain x-ray examination is not usually helpful as most resolves on conservative management, but after 6-8 weeks with no improvement, or if lifestyle is affected or focal neurology demonstrated, or in those with a history of malignancy, specialist referral is indicated
- should be performed in trauma, to assess bony alignment - e.g. in rheumatoid patients (flexion and extension lateral views) - and to delineate osteoarthritis (OA)
General Indications for x-ray examination
- Bony tenderness
- Inability to weight-bear
- Acute joint pain
- Gross joint deformity
- Acute spinal pain in elderly (to rule out osteoporotic wedge fracture)
Reference:
- 1) Arthritis Research UK (Summer 2013). Hands on - Musculoskeletal imaging for GPs.
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