Cervical Spine Clearance

The document provides guidelines for cervical spine clearance following traumatic injury. It notes that clearance is controversial, as patients may be either awake and alert or obtunded. For alert patients, physical examination alone may clear the spine if no pain is present. Obtunded patients require radiographic clearance initially with lateral cervical spine film and CT, and possibly dynamic flexion/extension films if abnormalities are detected. Due to risks of pressure ulcers, clearance should be performed within 72 hours of injury.