The value of retropharyngeal soft tissue measurements in trauma of the adult cervical spine: cervical spine soft tissue measurements

• Published in: Skeletal radiology 1987-01, Vol.16 (2), p.98-104
• Main Authors: TEMPLETON, P. A, YOUNG, J. W. R, MIRVIS, S. E, BUDDEMEYER, E. U
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cervical Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging; Cervical Vertebrae - injuries; Female; Fractures, Bone - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Joint Dislocations - diagnostic imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Pharynx - diagnostic imaging; Radiography; Reference Values; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 0364-2348; 1432-2161
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00367755

Widening of the retropharyngeal soft tissue space (RSTS) has been interpreted as a sign of cervical spine trauma. Widely differing measurements are reported in the literature. However it is clear that, using the currently acceptable limits of normal, a large number of patients without spinal injury are subjected to further tests. The RSTS on lateral cervical spine radiographs of 318 patients with a history of cervical spine trauma were measured at the C2-C4 level. The values for patients found to be normal or with fractures/dislocations were evaluated. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrates a considerable overlap in the RSTS of normal and abnormal patients. Therefore we suggest that RSTS measurements are of limited diagnostic value. Using the statistical probability of abnormality, guidelines that indicate which patients may require additional study are suggested.