FIGURE 112.15 Clinical algorithm for radiographic and clinical evaluation of patients with possible neck injury Emergency department evaluation if a fracture or other abnormality is identified may be limited by patient’s condition; CT or MRI may be indicated when the patient is stabilized to further elucidate the identified injury If adequate radiographs cannot be obtained, an abnormality is identified or suspected but not demonstrated, or if the patient is unconscious or unreliable, consider further evaluation as suggested