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Comparison of two new immobilization collars
P B Rosen1, N E McSwain, M Arata
1Tulane University Medical Center, Emergency Department, New Orleans, LA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 11, 1992
Summary
The Vacuum Splint Cervical Collar offers superior cervical spine motion restriction compared to other extrication collars. This rigid design, incorporating the thorax, proves most effective in limiting neck movement.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Cervical collars are crucial for immobilizing the cervical spine after trauma.
- Evaluating the efficacy of different cervical collar designs in limiting motion is essential for patient care.
- New extrication collar designs require rigorous testing to determine their effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the motion-limiting capabilities of four different cervical collars.
- To assess the effectiveness of two novel extrication collars against existing models.
- To evaluate the time required for the application of each collar.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory study involving healthy volunteers was conducted.
- Range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral bending, rotation) was measured using two goniometric techniques.
- Four cervical collars were tested: Nec-Loc Extrication Collar, Philadelphia Collar, Philadelphia Red EM Collar with Immobilizer, and Vacuum Splint Cervical Collar.
Main Results:
- The Vacuum Splint Cervical Collar demonstrated the most effective restriction of cervical spine range of motion.
- No significant differences were noted in application times between the collars.
- Both goniometric techniques yielded comparable results in measuring motion limitation.
Conclusions:
- Cervical collars with rigid designs that extend to incorporate the thorax provide superior motion restriction.
- The design features of the Vacuum Splint Cervical Collar are recommended for enhanced cervical spine immobilization.
- Shorter, less rigid collars are less effective in limiting cervical spine movement.
