Cervical x-rays and the atlanto-axial region: supplementary computed tomography may be required in trauma.

In cervical trauma, x-rays may require supplementation with dynamic x-rays, computed-tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A normal cervical x-ray does not always imply cervical stability. The mechanism of injury, symptoms and signs help to indicate whether further imaging is required. We report a patient with a fracture of the atlas that was not diagnosed by plain radiology, but seen on CT.