Cervical spine motion in manual versus Jackson table turning methods in a cadaveric global instability model

Area of Science:

• Spine biomechanics
• Surgical stabilization
• Cadaveric research

Background:

• Cervical spine instability poses high risk of secondary injury.
• Cervical collars offer limited motion prevention during patient transfers.
• No standardized transfer method exists for prone positioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify multi-axis motion during stretcher to operating table transfers.
• Evaluate transfer methods in a cervical global instability model.
• Compare manual vs. Jackson table transfers for prone positioning.

Main Methods:

• Surgically induced C5-C6 instability in 4 cadavers.
• Tested intact and unstable states with and without cervical collars.
• Evaluated 3 headrest types and 2 transfer methods (manual, Jackson table).
• Measured C5-C6 angular motion using electromagnetic tracking.

Main Results:

• Jackson table transfers produced significantly less cervical spine motion than manual transfers.
• Cervical collars showed minimal motion reduction, significant only in axial rotation.
• Headrest type influenced motion, with Foam Pillow and Prone View offering better stabilization.

Conclusions:

• Manual transfers generate 2-3 times more cervical spine motion than the Jackson table method.
• Cervical collars provide significant benefit in limiting axial rotation.
• Headrest selection impacts turning stability; Foam Pillow and Prone View are superior to Mayfield.