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Published on: March 12, 2021
Methods for evaluating cervical range of motion in trauma settings.
Sarah Voss1, Michael Page, Jonathan Benger
1Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, UK, BS16 1DD. sarah.voss@uwe.ac.uk
Summary
Cervical spine immobilization is crucial after trauma, but current methods have limitations. This review examines technologies for measuring neck movement, highlighting virtual reality and electromagnetic tracking for future research.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Cervical spine immobilization is standard post-trauma, often precautionary due to low injury incidence.
- Current cervical collars have limitations including inadequate immobilization and patient complications.
- Developing new immobilization methods necessitates standardized evaluation of neck movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research methods and technologies for assessing cervical range of motion.
- To identify methodologies suitable for evaluating new cervical spine immobilization techniques.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for studies evaluating cervical range of motion methodologies.
- Inclusion of 34 papers assessing movement in six domains.
- Analysis of methodologies ranging from laboratory to simulation-based approaches.
Main Results:
- Generally low study quality was observed across reviewed methodologies.
- Evolution from laboratory/biomechanical studies to real-life situation simulations.
- Emergence of virtual reality and electromagnetic tracking as promising future technologies.
Conclusions:
- Existing methods for assessing cervical range of motion vary in quality and applicability.
- Virtual reality and electromagnetic tracking offer significant potential for future research in cervical immobilization.
- Further research is required to overcome challenges in applying new technologies in real-world settings.
