Comparison of the effectiveness of different cervical immobilization collars

Immobilization of the cervical spine is a common prehospital and emergency department maneuver. The ability of four different cervical collars to immobilize the cervical spine was studied using radiographic measurement in seven normal volunteers. Restriction of motion during flexion, extension, and lateral bending was studied. Differences between collars exist and require further study to identify the optimum device for immobilization of the cervical spine.