Spine clearance--a trauma center's standardized approach to assist care givers

Spine clearance is a high-volume, high-risk issue for trauma centers. Spinal cord injuries can be one of the most devastating injuries a person can incur. The initial treatment regimen can affect the occurrence of permanent injury. Pre-hospital providers take great pains to immobilize the spine. This article describes an approach adopted by a Level I trauma center to manage admitted patients where a spinal column or ligamentous injury has not been determined.