Assessing spinal movement during four extrication methods: a biomechanical study using healthy volunteers

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Motor vehicle collisions frequently cause severe injuries, with trapped occupants facing higher mortality risks.
• Current extrication techniques are time-intensive and prioritize minimizing spinal movement.
• The optimal extrication strategy and its impact on spinal motion remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cervical and lumbar spinal movement during four common vehicle extrication techniques.
• To compare the speed and biomechanical effects of different extrication methods.

Main Methods:

• Biomechanical data collected from 6 healthy volunteers using inertial measurement units.
• Evaluated four extrication techniques: roof removal, b-post rip, rapid removal, and self-extrication.
• Measured spinal movement in anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) planes at cervical and lumbar regions.

Main Results:

• Self-extrication demonstrated the least maximal spinal movement (AP max: 2.6 mm) and travel (4.9 mm).
• Rapid extrication resulted in the most significant movement (AP max: 6.21 mm, travel: 20.51 mm).
• Self-extrication was significantly faster (mean 6.4 s) than other methods; differences between roof removal, b-post rip, and rapid removal were not significant.

Conclusions:

• Self-extrication is associated with minimal spinal movement and rapid extrication times in healthy individuals.
• Roof removal, b-post rip, and rapid removal techniques show comparable spinal movement and extrication durations in prepared vehicles.