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Trauma Head C-Spine and Facial Bones

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    NC Head Non-contrast Vertex to Foramen magnum
    NC C-spine Non-contrast Skull base to T1
    NC Facial Bones Non-contrast Frontal sinus to Mandible
    • Facial trauma
    • Maxillofacial fractures
    • Orbital fractures with head/spine injury

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine head-first. C-collar on
    • NPO Status: None - trauma

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    No Intravenous Contrast

    This protocol does not require IV contrast administration.

  • 4. Special Notes

    • THREE acquisitions: 1) Head 2) C-spine 3) Facial bones. Face: submillimeter helical for 3D. C-collar remains
    • Additional Recons: 3D face reconstruction. Le Fort classification. Orbital floor assessment
    • C-collar precautions. Document mechanism of injury

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: N/A
    • Head: intracranial injury. C-spine: fractures. Face: Le Fort midface orbital mandible fractures
    • C-collar on. Remove dentures if safe
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Vertex T1 N/A N/A Lateral
NC Head Vertex Foramen magnum N/A 5 mm Standard head
NC C-spine Skull base T1 N/A 0.625 mm Submillimeter
NC Facial Bones Frontal sinus Mandible N/A 0.625 mm Submillimeter for 3D
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Head Brain 5 mm/5 mm Brain/Bone 3 Brain and skull
Sagittal C-spine C-spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 C-spine alignment
Axial Face Face 1.25 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Facial bones
Coronal Face Face 1.25 mm/1 mm Bone N/A Facial coronal