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Cervical spine movement during orotracheal intubation
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|April 1, 1986
Summary
In-line stabilization significantly reduced cervical spine movement during endotracheal intubation. Neither laryngoscope blade type nor a Philadelphia collar effectively minimized neck movement in anesthetized patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Cervical spine movement during endotracheal intubation is a concern in trauma patients.
- Minimizing neck movement is crucial to prevent further spinal cord injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different methods in reducing cervical spine movement during orotracheal intubation.
- To compare straight vs. curved laryngoscope blades, Philadelphia collar, and in-line stabilization.
Main Methods:
- 16 anesthetized patients without neck injury underwent orotracheal intubation.
- Cervical spine movement was measured under various stabilization conditions: no stabilization, Philadelphia collar, and in-line stabilization.
- Straight and curved laryngoscope blades were compared.
Main Results:
- Cervical spine movement occurred in all intubation attempts.
- In-line stabilization significantly decreased cervical spine movement (P = 0.0056).
- No significant difference in movement was observed between straight and curved blades (P = .8536), nor with a Philadelphia collar (P = 1.000).
Conclusions:
- In-line stabilization by an assistant is the most effective method for reducing cervical spine movement during endotracheal intubation.
- Neither laryngoscope blade type nor a Philadelphia collar significantly reduces cervical spine movement.
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