J Trauma
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Accurate screening of the thoracolumbar spine (TLS) remains problematic in the care of trauma patients. The current standard of care for TLS screening is not clearly defined. In trauma patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) of the chest and or abdomen, compelling supportive evidence for reformatting and reusing this CT data to clear the thoracolumbar spine has accumulated over the last 3 years. The objective of this review was to identify and review all published studies comparing reformatted CT to traditional plain radiography for TLS clearance. ⋯ The evidence to date demonstrates the superior sensitivity of reformatted visceral CT for detecting thoracolumbar spine injury. With no further patient movement, radiation exposure, cost, or time, trauma patients undergoing visceral CT can have their thoracolumbar spine promptly evaluated. Further prospective evaluation of the CT protocols to optimize visualization of both the viscera and the bone is warranted.