Dominate the NBCE 2025: Unleash Your Chiropractic Skills with Confidence!

When assessing a C5 posterior element fracture indicated by plain film radiographs, the most appropriate imaging method is a CT scan. This modality is particularly useful for detailed evaluation of bony structures due to its ability to provide high-resolution images of the cervical spine. CT scans excel in visualizing complex fractures, including those involving the posterior elements of the vertebrae, such as the lamina or spinous processes.

While a bone scan can help assess bone metabolism and detect stress fractures or bone lesions, it is less specific for detailed structural information about fractures. MRI is more suited for evaluating soft tissue injuries, including spinal cord involvement and intervertebral discs, rather than purely bony fractures. Ultrasound is generally not used in this context for evaluating spinal fractures as it is better suited for soft tissue assessments, particularly in other anatomical regions.

Thus, for a clear and accurate evaluation of a C5 posterior element fracture, a CT scan is the preferred imaging choice over the other methods.