[Prevalence of incidental findings of the Axial skeleton on computed tomograph of severely injured patients].

Computed tomography has become an important component in the initial assessment of severely injured patients over the last years. The liberal use coupled with advances in imaging technology often result in incidental findings. In our present investigation, the prevalence incidence of incidental findings of the spine and skull amounted to 58% of all patients with trauma. Degenerative changes were most commonly found, followed by congenital defects and neoplasms. Within the latter, further investigation was necessary in six cases, of which two findings proved to be malignant neoplasms. The high incidence of incidental findings calls for a uniform documentation, handling and clarification of responsibility in treatment and insurance-related competence.