Radiology for Trauma and the General Surgeon

Abstract

Conventional radiography (plain film), ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) are important modalities for the evaluation of patients with trauma. In meta-stable or unstable patients, the combination of chest radiograph, pelvis radiograph, and focused assessment for sonography in trauma (FAST) or extended FAST rapidly triages the torso. CT has become a standard for definitive imaging in blunt trauma. CT angiography is the modality of choice for suspected vascular injuries of the neck and extremities. The impact of ionizing radiation (effective dose) from CT scans may be significant at the population level. Imaging strategies in trauma should be evaluated continuously.

Keywords: CT; Computed tomography; FAST; Radiation effective dose; Trauma radiography; Trauma radiology; Ultrasonography.