The evolving role of computed tomography (CT) in trauma care

While trauma is common and ubiquitous part of the human experience, the medical response to injury is exceedingly complex and highly regulated. Computed tomography (CT) has been established as a linchpin of modern trauma care. In this chapter, we provide context and background for the use of CT within the overall trauma resuscitation and stabilization of severely injured patients. We will begin with a brief overview of the history and development of trauma systems over the last 50 years, we will discuss the ways that CT has been integrated into these systems, and we will explain how developments in CT scanning technology have led to new opportunities and dilemmas in the management of the injured trauma patient. This chapter lays the foundation for the remainder of the book by discussing appropriateness criteria for the use of CT in trauma patients as well as touching on some current controversies in CT in the setting of trauma. While the remainder of the book focuses on CT imaging considerations by organ system and for specific patient populations, this chapter provides the framework for this discussion and the overall context in which these discussions are taking place.