Tag Archives: spine

Scoop minimises cervical movement

Posted on October 4, 2010 by

A cadaveric study using a 3-dimensional electromagnetic tracking device to asses cervical motion compared the application of a scoop stretcher with two other manual transfer techniques, including log rolling onto an extrication (spine) board. The scoop method restricted cervical spine … Continue reading →

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Spine immobilisation in penetrating trauma

Posted on March 25, 2010 by

In a retrospective study of 45,284 penetrating trauma patients, unadjusted mortality was twice as high in the 4.3% of  patients who underwent spine immobilisation, compared with those who were not immobilised. An accompanying editorial comments: ‘The number needed to treat with … Continue reading →

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Self-extrication with a collar on

Posted on February 9, 2010 by

Using a sophisticated infrared six camera motion capture system, investigators demonstrated decreased cervical spine movement when collared volunteers self-extricated from a mock smashed up Toyota Corolla, when compared with extrication by paramedics using a backboard. The authors conclude that in … Continue reading →

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Ballistic penetrating neck injury and the risk of immobilisation

Posted on December 21, 2009 by

British military physicians reported the outcomes of patients sustaining penetrating neck injury from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Three quarters were injured in explosions, one quarter from gunshots. Of 90 patients, only 1 of the 56 survivors to reach a … Continue reading →

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Is cervical spine protection always necessary following penetrating neck injury?

Posted on December 10, 2009 by

This short cut review in the Best Bets format attempted to answer the question: “is cervical spine protection always necessary following penetrating neck injury?” From the available evidence they draw the following conclusions: In stab wounds to the neck (with … Continue reading →

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Spinal imaging and immobilisation may be unnecessary in many GSW patients

Posted on December 9, 2009 by

A retrospective review of 4204 patients sustaining gunshot wounds (GSW) to the head, neck or torso examined the incidence of spinal cord injury and bony spinal column injury required operative spinal intervention. None of the patients demonstrated spinal instability requiring … Continue reading →

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