SPINE protocols

The SPINE protocols also specify the interaction between the robotic hardware and the sample hardware. Specifically, the sample must be located 22 mm above the base that attaches the crystal to the robot. Precisely how samples are mounted on the base itself, however, is at the discretion of the user. 

When large numbers of crystals are examined at s)m-chrotron beamlines, unambiguous identification of the samples is critical. The SPINE standard includes a unique barcode on the magnetic base for that purpose. However, the SPINE protocol also assumes that the bases will be reused. Hence, these 2D barcodes alone do not permit unique identification of a given crystal. 

Barba CA, Taggert J, Morgan AS, et al. (2001) A new cervical spine clearance protocol using computed tomography. J Trauma 51 652-656 discussion 656-7 Brant-Zawadzki M, Jeffrey RB Jr, Minagi H, et al. (1982) High resolution CT of thoracolumbar fractures. AJR Am J Roentgenol 138 699-704... 

Of available imaging techniques. Magnet resonance imaging (MRI) is the best for delineating soft tissue structures, and is often the preferred imaging method for the head, neck, brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system. Historically, the presence of pacemakers and ICDs have been absolute contraindications for MRI. With the growing importance of MRI it has been estimated that there will be a 50-75% probability that over the lifetime of the patient s implanted device there will be an indication for an MRI (32-36). With more widespread use of implanted cardiac devices, there has been intense pressure on clinicians to develop protocols that provide safe use of MRI in these patients. 

Fig. 35.10. a Coronal upper parts, b coronal lower parts, and c sagittal spine images of whole-body MDCT of a patient with multiple myeloma. A 64-detector-row CT, low-dose protocol with 120 kV, 100 mA, and anatomic tube current modulation. Large destruction of Tl 1 body is evident (arrow)... 

Whole-body CT (WB-CT) protocols in multisystem trauma usually consist of a non-contrast enhanced head CT, which is followed by a contrast-enhanced chest and abdominal CT. For evaluation of the spine, reformations from the chest and abdomen are of diagnostic image quality if the primary colUmation was 2.5 mm or less, and dedicated scans of the spine are not obligatory (Mann et al. 2003). The cervical spine can be scanned separately with thin coUimations after the head scan, or can be included in the chest scan. The latter option has the advantage that the cervical vessels are contrast-enhanced, and vascular injuries can be ruled out from the same dataset, sparing one additional scan. 

Cervical spine fractures may result from translocation of the body and impact on landing or direct trauma arising from the impact of other translocated materials. Conventional treatment protocols should be followed. 

Strimpakos N., Sakellari V., Gioftsos G., Papathanasiou M., Brountzos E., Kelekis D., Kapreli E., Oldham J. (2005) Cervical spine ROM measurements optimizing the testing protocol by using a 3D ultra-sound-based motion analysis system. Cephalalgia. 25(12) 1133-45. 

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