Cervical spine motion generated with manual versus jackson table turning methods in a cadaveric c1-c2 global...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Patients with spinal cord injuries require spinal stabilization to prevent secondary injury.
• Current literature lacks data on the impact of patient transfer methods on atlantoaxial cervical spine motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the C1-C2 spinal motion associated with different supine-to-prone transfer techniques.
• To compare the efficacy of the log-roll versus the Jackson technique in minimizing C1-C2 motion.
• To evaluate the influence of head-holding devices on C1-C2 motion during transfers.

Main Methods:

• A cadaveric model with surgically induced C1-C2 global instability was used.
• Two transfer protocols (log-roll and Jackson technique) were assessed.
• An electromagnetic tracking device measured C1-C2 motion, with three head-holding devices compared.

Main Results:

• The log-roll technique generated significantly more C1-C2 motion (6/6 measures) compared to the Jackson technique.
• Five of six motion parameters showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001-0.005).
• Head-holding devices (Mayfield, Prone view, foam pillow) had minimal impact on C1-C2 motion.

Conclusions:

• The Jackson technique is superior to the manual log-roll for reducing C1-C2 motion during supine-to-prone transfers.
• Headrest selection has a negligible effect on C1-C2 motion, though the Mayfield device showed a slight trend toward increased motion.