The NEXUS criteria for cervical spine imaging is a clinical decision rule used to help determine whether patients with trauma need imaging to rule out cervical spine injury. NEXUS stands for National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study. This calculator is applicable to patients who have experienced blunt trauma and are at risk for cervical spine injury.
The clinical utility of the NEXUS criteria is to reduce unnecessary imaging, thereby minimizing radiation exposure and healthcare costs. It helps clinicians decide if a patient needs radiographic evaluation (X-ray, CT scan, or MRI) for potential cervical spine injury.
The NEXUS criteria should not be used in patients with penetrating trauma, patients with known vertebral disease (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis), patients with prior cervical spine surgery, or patients who are not fully alert or have an altered level of consciousness. It also should not be used in patients with focal neurologic deficit or in those with severe distracting injuries.
Reference
J R Hoffman, A B Wolfson, K Todd et al. Selective cervical spine radiography in blunt trauma: methodology of the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS). Ann Emerg Med. 1998 Oct;32(4):461-9.
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