Remaining Cervical Spine Movement Under Different Immobilization Techniques

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Emergency Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Cervical spine immobilization is a standard Emergency Medical Services (EMS) procedure.
• Multiple immobilization devices are available for EMS use.
• Analysis of residual spine motion under various immobilization techniques is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare residual cervical spine motion across different immobilization techniques.
• To determine the effectiveness of various EMS immobilization tools in limiting spinal movement.

Main Methods:

• An explorative biomechanical study involving three healthy subjects.
• Passive, standardized head movements were used to induce spinal motion (flexion, extension, bending, rotation).
• Wireless human motion detectors measured the remaining range of motion.

Main Results:

• Immobilization on a vacuum mattress with headblocks reduced spinal rotation from 7° to 3°, flexion from 14° to 3°, and extension from 15° to 6°.
• The spine board with a headlock system and Spider Strap belt system provided the best immobilization.
• The Speedclip belt system resulted in increased cervical spine extension (1° to 9°), and cervical collars did not improve immobilization with spine boards or vacuum mattresses.

Conclusions:

• Minimal residual cervical spine movement is achieved with a spine board/headlock/Spider Strap system or a vacuum mattress/headblock combination.
• Additional cervical collars do not enhance immobilization effectiveness when using spine boards or vacuum mattresses.