The technological advances in computed tomography (CT), with faster image acquisition resulting in higher resolution, result in making CT a more widely and intensively used imaging modality in trauma patient care. Thoraco-abdominal CT in addition appears to have additional diagnostic value compared to conventional radiography, especially in severely injured trauma patients.~Nowadays, both clinical data and conventional radiology are used to determine which patient should undergo body CT scanning. Currently there are no widely accepted guidelines for the use of a standard TRAuma CT (TRACT). Although many retrospective and several prospective cohort studies have been published on this topic, the data are not sufficient to sustain evidence-based practice in decision-making.~The aim of this study is, to establish the additional effectiveness and costs of routine thoraco-abdominal CT in blunt trauma patients versus conventional radiological imaging and to determine which clinical parameters predict a high additional value of routine thoraco-abdominal CT.~Consecutive trauma patients, who are at least 16 years old and are suffering from severe injuries, undergo a standard trauma CT of the cervical spine, the thorax and abdomen after clinical evaluation and conventional radiological workup.~Clinical, conventional and computed tomographic radiological assessment, costs, therapeutic consequences and 6 months patient follow up are recorded and will be statistically analyzed.
The aim of this study is to establish the additional effectiveness and costs of routine thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) in blunt trauma patients versus conventional radiological imaging and to determine which clinical parameters predict a high additional value of routine thoraco-abdominal CT.