Abstract
Background: The National Emergency X-Ray Utilization Study criteria is used to determine the need for Computed tomography scan and reduce radiation exposure in suspected cervical spine injury cases. However, it is insufficient, and does not apply to injuries of the thoracic or lumbar spine. Objective: To identify predictors that indicate the use of computed tomography scan for spine fractures and to determine the factors that predict emergency treatment. Methods: This retrospective study is based on hospital records of patients over 50 years who presented to King Fahd Hospital of the University Emergency Department after falling and underwent Computed tomography. 1425 patient files were reviewed; among them 142 met the research criteria. Results: The median age was 68 years with an almost equal participation of both genders. A male gender, the need for hospital admission and high creatinine level were all found to be significantly associated with fracture (P-value = 0.049; 0.008 and 0.026, respectively). Conclusion: High creatinine level and being male might be used to indicate use of Computed tomography scan but these needs to be further studied.