Finding-the-Path: Plain radiographs of the cervical spine

A complete cervical spine radiograph series, including lateral with flexion and extension, was obtained. The lateral view above shows an avulsion fracture of the spinous process of the C7 vertebra (black arrow). Degenerative changes of the C5-C7 disc spaces are also visible (white arrows).

Which do you do next?

• Treat the patient conservatively
• MRI of the cervical spine
• CT of the lower cervical spine
• Tomography of the cervical spine