Philip Christian Nolte1, Davut Deniz Uzun1, David Häske2,3, Jeronimo Weerts4, Matthias Münzberg1,5, Adrian Rittmann1, Paul Alfred Grützner1, Michael Kreinest6. 1. Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, BG Trauma Centre Ludwigshafen, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Germany. 2. Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany. 3. DRK Rettungsdienst Reutlingen, 72764, Reutlingen, Germany. 4. Julius Wolff Institute, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany. 5. Centre of Rescue- and Emergency Medicine, BG Trauma Centre Ludwigshafen, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Germany. 6. Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, BG Trauma Centre Ludwigshafen, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Germany. michael.kreinest@bgu-ludwigshafen.de.
Abstract
PURPOSE: It remains controversial how to immobilize the cervical spine (CS) in trauma patients. Therefore, we analyzed different CS immobilization techniques during prehospital patient transport. METHODS: In this explorative, biomechanical analysis of immobilization techniques conducted in a standardized setting, we recorded CS motion during patient transport using a wireless human motion tracker on a volunteer. To interpret spinal movement a benchmark called motionscore (MS) was developed based on biomechanics of the injured spine. RESULTS: We found the best spinal motion restriction using a spine board, head blocks and immobilization straps with and without a cervical collar (CC) (MS 45 vs. 27). Spinal motion restriction on a vacuum mattress with CC and head blocks was superior to no CC or head blocks (MS 103 vs. 152). An inclined vacuum mattress was more effective with head blocks than without (MS 124 vs. 187). Minimal immobilization with an ambulance cot, CC, pillow and tape was slightly superior to a vacuum mattress with CC and head blocks (MS 92 vs. 103). Minimal immobilization without CC showed the lowest spinal motion restriction (MS 517). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest an immobilization procedure customized to the individual situation. A spine board should be used whenever spinal motion restriction is indicated and the utilization is possible. In some cases, CS immobilization by a vacuum mattress with CC and head blocks could be more beneficial. In an unstable status of the patient, minimal immobilization may be performed using an ambulance cot, pillow, CC and tape to minimize time on scene caused by immobilization.
PURPOSE: It remains controversial how to immobilize the cervical spine (CS) in traumapatients. Therefore, we analyzed different CS immobilization techniques during prehospital patient transport. METHODS: In this explorative, biomechanical analysis of immobilization techniques conducted in a standardized setting, we recorded CS motion during patient transport using a wireless human motion tracker on a volunteer. To interpret spinal movement a benchmark called motionscore (MS) was developed based on biomechanics of the injured spine. RESULTS: We found the best spinal motion restriction using a spine board, head blocks and immobilization straps with and without a cervical collar (CC) (MS 45 vs. 27). Spinal motion restriction on a vacuum mattress with CC and head blocks was superior to no CC or head blocks (MS 103 vs. 152). An inclined vacuum mattress was more effective with head blocks than without (MS 124 vs. 187). Minimal immobilization with an ambulance cot, CC, pillow and tape was slightly superior to a vacuum mattress with CC and head blocks (MS 92 vs. 103). Minimal immobilization without CC showed the lowest spinal motion restriction (MS 517). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest an immobilization procedure customized to the individual situation. A spine board should be used whenever spinal motion restriction is indicated and the utilization is possible. In some cases, CS immobilization by a vacuum mattress with CC and head blocks could be more beneficial. In an unstable status of the patient, minimal immobilization may be performed using an ambulance cot, pillow, CC and tape to minimize time on scene caused by immobilization.
Authors: Philip C Nolte; Davut D Uzun; Shiyao Liao; Matthias Kuch; Paul A Grützner; Matthias Münzberg; Michael Kreinest Journal: Unfallchirurg Date: 2020-04 Impact factor: 1.000
Authors: Matthias K Jung; Davut D Uzun; Gregor V R von Ehrlich-Treuenstätt; Paul A Grützner; Michael Kreinest Journal: Anaesthesist Date: 2021-04-28 Impact factor: 1.041
Authors: Matthias K Jung; Gregor V R von Ehrlich-Treuenstätt; Holger Keil; Paul A Grützner; Niko R E Schneider; Michael Kreinest Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2021-10-18 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: Matthias K Jung; Gregor V R von Ehrlich-Treuenstätt; Andreas L Jung; Holger Keil; Paul A Grützner; Niko R E Schneider; Michael Kreinest Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-11-29 Impact factor: 3.240