NEXUS

Indication for posttraumatic C-spine radiography

Criteria

• No posterior midline C-spine tenderness
• No evidence of intoxication
• A normal level of alertness
• No focal neurological deficit
• No painful distracting injuries

Interpretation

Only if all criteria are present, C-spine radiography is NOT indicated. Otherwise it should be performed.

Abbreviation

NEXUS = National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study

Reference

Stiell et al. The Canadian C-spine rule versus the NEXUS low-risk criteria in patients with trauma. N Engl J Med (2003) vol. 349 (26) pp. 2510-8

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