[Tracheal cannulation technics in cervical vertebral and spinal cord injuries. A comparative study]

Cervical vertebral dislocations and fractures require the complete immobility of the neck until an intervention of stabilization of the spinal cord, by surgery or external means, is performed. Endotracheal intubation, which might represent a harmful operation, can become difficult when the stabilization of the spinal cord has been obtained by external means. Moreover, the anatomical features of the patients can well cause further difficulties in intubation. Three different methods for endotracheal intubation have been assessed in cervical cord injured patients (fracture and/or dislocation from C2 to C6 level) by evaluating invasivity, mean intubation time, and success rate. Each method presents advantages with regard to the grading of visualization of the larynx, but also limitations due to the time required to perform the intubation and the appearance of complications. It seems therefore useful to continue the search for the ideal method for tracheal intubation, which should be absolutely atraumatic, fast, and completely successful.