{"id":"159b85e2-f3f0-4de0-9436-c17309934297","slug":"management-of-nonoperative-cervical-spine-fractures-an-institutional-analysis-of-follow-up-duration-and-image-acquisition","title":"Management of nonoperative cervical spine fractures: An institutional analysis of follow-up duration and image acquisition","authors":["Alison M. Westrup","Landon S. Hendrickson","Kendall L. Hughes","Jaylun I. Smith","Christen M. O’Neal","Sixia Chen","Andrew K. Conner"],"abstract":"Background: How long do nonoperative cervical fractures have to be followed and with how many imaging studies? Methods: We reviewed 69 adult patients with 122 (31 occiptocervical and 91 sub-axial) cervical fractures; at least one of the cervical fractures was managed nonoperatively. Outcomes were assessed along with the optimal follow-up duration and frequency of various diagnostic studies. Results: An average of four follow-up visits occurred on average 28-, 66-, 94-, and 158-day post hospital discharge. The average time between discharge and orthotic clearance was 70 days (±32.4 days). Radiographic studies were obtained at follow-up visits, respectively, in, 82.6%, 83.6%, 94.7%, and 100% of patients. Conclusion: The trend for managing nonoperative cervical fractures was an unduly prolonged follow-up duration that included obtaining too many imaging studies.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/159b85e2-f3f0-4de0-9436-c17309934297/featured/hero-1781561248409.png","publishDate":"2022-06-23T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_107_2022","categories":["Spine","Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/159b85e2-f3f0-4de0-9436-c17309934297/pdf"}