Recommendation ID
NG41/3
Question

Thoracic and lumbosacral assessment tool:- After injury, what is the best method of clinical assessment to determine who needs imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine to exclude injury to the spinal column or cord, and who is safe to discharge without risk of missing significant injury?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine are associated with significant morbidity and can be associated with relatively minor mechanisms of injury. This is a particular problem in older people where such injuries can have a significant impact on their mobility, functional status and level of independence.


Source guidance details

Comes from guidance
Spinal injury: assessment and initial management
Number
NG41
Date issued
February 2016

Other details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research? No  
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?   No  
Last Reviewed 29/02/2016