Matthias K Jung1, Lukas Hörnig1, Michael M A Stübs2, Paul A Grützner1, Michael Kreinest3. 1. Klinik Für Unfallchirurgie Und Orthopädie, BG Klinik Ludwigshafen, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Germany. 2. Klinik Für Anästhesiologie, Stiftung Krankenhaus Bethanien, Bethanienstraße 21, 47441, Moers, Germany. 3. Klinik Für Unfallchirurgie Und Orthopädie, BG Klinik Ludwigshafen, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Germany. michael.kreinest@bgu-ludwigshafen.de.
Abstract
PURPOSE: For trauma surgeons, the evaluation of the stability of the upper cervical spine may be demanding. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for decision-making on upper cervical spine stability in trauma patients based on established parameters obtained by CT imaging as well as testing the protocol by having it applied by trauma surgeons. METHODS: A structured literature search on upper cervical spine stability was performed. The best evaluated instability criteria in CT imaging were determined. Based on these parameters a protocol for stability evaluation of the injured upper cervical spine was developed. A first application testing was performed. In addition to the assessment of instability, the time required for the assessment was analyzed. RESULTS: A protocol for CT-based stability evaluation of the injured upper cervical spine based on the current literature was developed and displayed in a flow chart. Testing of the protocol found the stability of the cervical spine was correctly assessed in 55 of 56 evaluations (98.2%). In one test run, a stable upper cervical spine was judged to be unstable. Further analysis showed that this case was based on a measurement error. The assessment time of CT-images decreased significantly during repeat application of the protocol (p < 0.0001), from 336 ± 108 s (first case) to 180 ± 30 s (fourth case). CONCLUSION: The protocol can be applied quickly and safely by non-specialized trauma surgeons. Thus, the protocol can support the decision-making process in CT-based evaluation of the stability of the injured upper cervical spine.
PURPOSE: For trauma surgeons, the evaluation of the stability of the upper cervical spine may be demanding. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for decision-making on upper cervical spine stability in trauma patients based on established parameters obtained by CT imaging as well as testing the protocol by having it applied by trauma surgeons. METHODS: A structured literature search on upper cervical spine stability was performed. The best evaluated instability criteria in CT imaging were determined. Based on these parameters a protocol for stability evaluation of the injured upper cervical spine was developed. A first application testing was performed. In addition to the assessment of instability, the time required for the assessment was analyzed. RESULTS: A protocol for CT-based stability evaluation of the injured upper cervical spine based on the current literature was developed and displayed in a flow chart. Testing of the protocol found the stability of the cervical spine was correctly assessed in 55 of 56 evaluations (98.2%). In one test run, a stable upper cervical spine was judged to be unstable. Further analysis showed that this case was based on a measurement error. The assessment time of CT-images decreased significantly during repeat application of the protocol (p < 0.0001), from 336 ± 108 s (first case) to 180 ± 30 s (fourth case). CONCLUSION: The protocol can be applied quickly and safely by non-specialized trauma surgeons. Thus, the protocol can support the decision-making process in CT-based evaluation of the stability of the injured upper cervical spine.
Authors: Alexander R Vaccaro; Christopher K Kepler; Branko Kopjar; Jens Chapman; Christopher Shaffrey; Paul Arnold; Ziya Gokaslan; Darrel Brodke; John France; Mark Dekutoski; Rick Sasso; S Tim Yoon; Christopher Bono; James Harrop; Michael G Fehlings Journal: J Bone Joint Surg Am Date: 2013-04-17 Impact factor: 5.284