How should an unconscious person with a suspected neck injury be positioned?

INTRODUCTION: Awareness of the risk of spinal-cord damage in moving an unconscious person with a suspected neck injury into the "lateral recovery position," coupled with the even greater risk of inadequate airway management if the person is not moved, has resulted in a suggested modification to the lateral recovery position for use in this circumstance. HYPOTHESIS: It is proposed that the modification to the lateral recovery position reduces movement of the neck. In this modification, one of the patient's arms is raised above the head (in full abduction) to support the head and neck. The position is called the "HAINES modified recovery position." HAINES is an acronym for High Arm IN Endangered Spine. METHODS: Neck movements in two healthy volunteers were measured by the use of video-image analysis and radiographic studies when the volunteers were rolled from the supine position to both the lateral recovery position and the HAINES modified recovery position. RESULTS: For both subjects, the total degree of lateral flexion of the cervical spine in the HAINES modified recovery position was less than half of that measured during use of the lateral recovery position (while an open airway was maintained in each). CONCLUSION: An unconscious person with a suspected neck injury should be positioned in the HAINES modified recovery position. There is less neck movement (and less degree of lateral angulation) than when the lateral recovery position is used, and, therefore, HAINES use carries less risk of spinal-cord damage.     

Does the novel lateral trauma position cause more motion in an unstable cervical spine injury than the logroll maneuver?

Objective

Prehospital personnel who lack advanced airway management training must rely on basic techniques when transporting unconscious trauma patients. The supine position is associated with a loss of airway patency when compared to lateral recumbent positions. Thus, an inherent conflict exists between securing an open airway using the recovery position and maintaining spinal immobilization in the supine position. The lateral trauma position is a novel technique that aims to combine airway management with spinal precautions. The objective of this study was to compare the spinal motion allowed by the novel lateral trauma position and the well-established log-roll maneuver.

Motion Produced in the Unstable Cervical Spine by the HAINES and Lateral Recovery Positions

Abstract

Study objective. To compare the amount of segmental vertebral motion produced with the lateral recovery position and the HAINES technique when performed on cadavers with destabilized cervical spines. Methods. The cervical spines of 10 cadavers were surgically destabilized at the C5–C6 vertebral segment. Sensors from an electromagnetic tracking device were affixed to the vertebrae in question to monitor the amount of anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and distraction/compression linear motion produced during the application of the two study techniques. Results. The statistical analysis of linear motion data did not reveal any significant differences between the two recovery positions. Conclusion. At this time, no single version of the recovery position can be endorsed for the spine-injured trauma patient. More research is needed to fully ascertain the safety of commonly used recovery positions.     

Imaging of cervical spine trauma

The cervical spine, supporting such critical structures as the medulla, spinal cord, and cervical nerve roots, can be very challenging to image propertly because of its complex structural anatomy and superimposition of bony and soft tissue parts. In this article, the use and value of the various modalities that image the cervical spine are discussed. Plain radiography remains the best screening tool in the initial evaluation of the cervical spine after trauma. Additional views, such as swimmer's, pillar and lateral flexion, and extension, often are helpful in certain circumstances.     

老年人创伤性脊髓损伤研究进展

老年人创伤性脊髓损伤的发病率和人群占比逐年升高,在发达国家已是脊髓损伤的主要受累人群。跌倒是最主要的受伤原因,椎管狭窄发生率增加、脊柱生物力学改变和过伸损伤可能是轻微创伤造成该人群脊髓损伤的发生机制。老年人创伤性脊髓损伤通常要接受早期手术治疗,当存在复杂的并发症、病情不稳定或脊髓损伤较轻,且不伴有明显骨折脱位时,可考虑非手术治疗和积极的康复,但具体手术指征、手术时机等还有争议。与年轻人相比,大部分老年患者表现为颈髓不全损伤,通过治疗和康复有望恢复更好的肢体功能,但生活自理能力恢复差,要监测脊髓损伤康复期间的功能变化并据此调整训练时长和强度等。     

Cervical spine clearance and neck extension during percutaneous tracheostomy in trauma patients

INTRODUCTION: The lack of cervical spine clearance and inability to extend the neck are assumed to be relative contraindications for percutaneous tracheostomy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the necessity of cervical spine clearance and neck extension in trauma patients receiving percutaneous tracheostomy. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of case series from August 1, 1995 to August 31, 1998. SETTING: A university-based Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: A total of 88 consecutive trauma patients receiving percutaneous tracheostomy. Patients were divided into two groups based on the radiographic or clinical status of their cervical spine: cleared and noncleared. RESULTS: The overall success and complication rate were 99% (87/88) and 11% (10/88), respectively. There were no procedure-related deaths. The cleared group consisted of 60 patients; three patients in this group who had "bull" or "thick" necks did not have full neck extension during percutaneous tracheostomy. The noncleared group consisted of 28 patients, 13 of which had known cervical spine fractures; 27 noncleared patients were maintained in the neutral position (no extension) during percutaneous tracheostomy, whereas one patient with low suspicion of spinal injury was partially extended. Of the 13 patients with cervical spine fractures, six patients had been stabilized with a halo or operative fixation, and seven patients were stabilized with a cervical collar at the time of percutaneous tracheostomy. The success rate was 100% (60/60) for the cleared group compared with 96% (27/28) for the noncleared group (p > .05). The complication rate was 13% (8/60) for the cleared group compared with 7.1% (2/28) for the noncleared group (p > .05). We had a 100% success rate and no complications in the seven patients with cervical spine injury who were stabilized with a cervical collar. No patient had spinal cord injury caused by percutaneous tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous tracheostomy can be safely performed in trauma patients without cervical spine clearance and neck extension, including patients with stabilized cervical spine or spinal cord injury.     

Comparison of the Ferno Scoop Stretcher with the Long Backboard for Spinal Immobilization

Objectives. Spinal immobilization is essential in reducing risk of further spinal injuries in trauma patients. The authors compared the traditional long backboard (LBB) with the Ferno Scoop Stretcher (FSS) (Model 65-EXL). They hypothesized no difference in movement during application andimmobilization between the FSS andthe LBB. Methods. Thirty-one adult subjects had electromagnetic sensors secured over the nasion (forehead) andthe C3 andT12 spinous processes andwere placed in a rigid cervical collar, with movement recorded by a goniometer (a motion analysis system). Subjects were tested on both the FSS andthe LBB. The sagittal flexion, lateral flexion, andaxial rotation were recorded during each of four phases: 1) baseline, 2) application (logroll onto the LBB or placement of the FSS around the patient), 3) secured logroll, and4) lifting. Comfort andperceived security also were assessed on a visual analog scale. Results. There was approximately 6–8 degrees greater motion in the sagittal, lateral, andaxial planes during the application of the LBB compared with the FSS (both p < 0.001). No difference was found during a secured logroll maneuver. The FSS induced more sagittal flexion during the lift than the LBB (p < 0.001). The FSS demonstrated superior comfort andperceived security. Conclusion. The FSS caused significantly less movement on application andincreased comfort levels. Decreased movement using the FSS may reduce the risk of further spinal cord injury.     

平山病的动态磁共振成像研究

目的通过颈椎中立位及过屈位磁共振扫描观察平山病患者颈髓形态的变化,进一步分析平山病诊断的影像学依据,并初步探讨平山病的发病机制。方法选择正常人无颈椎病史30例,以及确诊平山病患者20例,进行颈椎中立位及过屈位磁共振扫描,选择C6水平分别在两种体位测量颈髓正中线前后径,另外测量过屈位相邻两个椎体后缘的角度。结果患者C6水平颈髓前后径中立位(Dn)及过屈位(Df)分别为(0.542±0.076)cm、(0.418±0.067)cm,正常对照Dn及Df分别为(0.670±0.049)cm、(0.595±0.047)cm,患者均较正常人小(P<0.01),且过屈位颈髓前后径患者较正常人变小更为明显,且以一侧变扁为著(P<0.01)。过屈位相邻椎体后缘成角依次为AC34(3.0±2.0)°、AC45(6.7±2.2)°、AC56(11.8±2.3)°、AC67(8.6±3.7)°,下颈段大于上颈段(AC56>AC67>AC45>AC34)。结论磁共振成像可以明确显示平山病形态学改变,是诊断平山病的重要依据之一,下颈段颈椎成角较大,可能是造成平山病集中在下颈段脊髓的原因之一。     

颈椎椎弓根钉置入治疗颈椎骨折脱位:操作技术、并发症及生物相容性

背景:熟悉颈椎解剖及椎弓根螺钉的特性,术中规范操作以及个体化置钉等是置入治疗成功的关键.目的:了解颈椎椎弓根钉材料置入治疗颈椎骨折脱位术中和随访期内材料及宿主反应及置入后脊髓神经功能的恢复情况.设计:病例分析.单位:解放军沈阳军区总医院骨科.对象:选择2002-02/2006-02解放军沈阳军区总医院骨科具有完整随访病例资料的颈椎骨折脱位患者41例.18例合并脊髓损伤,按Frankel分级:A级6例,8级1例,C级4例,D级7例.方法:①采用经椎弓根内固定置入治疗颈椎骨折脱位41例.病例于术前行X射线片、CT及MRI检查,根据测量结果对每一椎弓根钉实施个体化置入.②所有手术均由同一术者完成,施术者为第一作者,主任医师,术者资格符合岗位技术职责要求.主要观察指标:①螺钉置入过程中材料及宿主反应.②术后及随访过程中材料及宿主反应.③置入后脊髓神经功能恢复情况.结果:41例全部获得6～12个月随访,切口均Ⅰ期愈合.①螺钉置入过程中材料和宿主反应:共置入218枚螺钉.12枚在初次置钉后有松动感,其中11枚经调整进钉点和进钉方向或,和增加螺钉直径或长度后松动感消失,另外1枚经上述处理无效后通过增加固定节段维持了稳定性.10枚钻孔后钉道出血较多,经处理后出血停止:3例在显露时造成C1.2问静脉从出血,经压迫止血后出血停止,其中1例因术野不清改用Apofix内固定.②术后及随访过程中材料反应及宿主反应:共置入螺钉218枚.196枚位置正确,22枚存在不同程度偏差,其中1枚造成神经根损伤,1枚疑有血管损伤.38例获满意复位并骨性愈合,3例因系陈旧骨折脱位术中复位不完全并出现神经根刺激症状,其中1例术后因退钉而改行前路手术;其余未发现椎动脉、脊髓、神经根损伤及内固定破坏.③置入后脊髓神经功能恢复情况:18例合并脊髓损伤者神经功能除A级6例无变化外,余12例均有1～2级改善.结论:①颈椎椎弓根钉材料置入后发生生物相容性反应的几率低.②置钉后脊髓神经功能恢复较好,是治疗颈椎骨折脱位有效且相对安全的方法之一.     

颈椎侧块钢板治疗下颈椎骨折脱位

目的　观察颈椎侧块钢板治疗颈椎骨折、脱位的疗效。方法　对采用颈椎侧块钢板治疗 5 4例颈椎骨折、脱位患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果　术后患者均无神经、血管并发症。通过 4～ 36个月的随访 ,颈椎侧块钢板对颈椎固定牢靠 ,无螺钉松脱及钢板断裂现象 ,同时对颈椎滑脱有良好的复位作用。全部达到骨性愈合 ,脊髓功能除 5例按Frankle分级为A级者术后 3个月无明显改善外 ,其余均有不同程度改善。结论　颈椎侧块钢板适用于需要后路减压的颈椎骨折、脱位 ,对其有良好的复位和固定作用 ,有利于脊髓功能的恢复 ;本方法还具有短节段固定 ,术后仅需轻便外固定 ,可早期活动等优点。该手术有一定风险 ,因此要求术者技术熟练 ,操作规范。     

Spinal trauma

The practice of spinal immobilization has existed since the 1960s under the premise that trauma victims with cervical spine injuries may suffer neurologic injury if moved without stabilization consisting of a rigid cervical collar and long spine board. Because of this assumption, it is of particular importance to assess for movement of the cervical spine with and without spinal immobilization. Over time, the on-field management of athletes with a mechanism consistent with spinal cord injury (SCI) has evolved and produced protocols that can be considered standard of care. Attempts to find evidencebased research to verify the necessity of a rigid collar and long spine board as the only option in athletic medicine for suspected SCI is difficult. As changes occur in the Emergency Medical Services standards, there will be opportunities to see how their processes relate to athletes and the rationale for immobilization on the field of play. Going forward, there could very well be a significant change in the approach to and management of the athlete down on the field of play with a suspected spinal cord injury.     

Kinematic analysis of the lower cervical spine in the protracted and retracted neck flexion positions

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze lower cervical spine kinematics in protracted and retracted neck flexion positions in healthy people. [Subjects and Methods] The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and intervertebral body angles of the lower cervical spine of 10 healthy individuals were analyzed using fluoroscopy in a neutral sitting with the head in the neutral (N), protracted (Pro), and retracted (Ret) positions and with the neck in full flexion with the head in the neutral (N-fx), protracted (Pro-fx), and retracted (Ret-fx) positions. [Results] There were significant differences in the CVA and intervertebral body angle at the C3–4 level, and the Ret position showed the highest values followed by the N and Pro positions. Regarding the intervertebral body angle at the C4–5 level, the Pro position showed a higher value than the N and Ret positions. At the C6–7 level, the Pro position showed the lowest value compared with the N and Ret positions. In the CVA, the Ret-fx position showed a higher value than the N-fx and Ret-fx positions. [Conclusion] The results suggest that in the neutral sitting position, protraction is an ineffective posture due to overstress of the C6–7 segment, which is placed in a hyperflexed position at this level. Instead, retraction is the recommend posture for the patient with C6–7 degeneration, which makes for a more flexed position in the upper cervical spine and a less flexed position in the lower cervical spine.Key words: Head posture, Intervertebral body angle, Lower cervical spine     

Missed cervical spine fracture-dislocations: the importance of clinical and radiographic assessment

OBJECTIVE: To review the case of a patient who suffered a cervical spine fracture-dislocation missed at a hospital emergency department. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 77-year-old man involved in a motor vehicle accident was transported to a local emergency hospital where cervical spine x-ray films taken were reported as demonstrating no evidence of acute injury. The patient visited a chiropractic clinic 6 days later, where x-ray films were again obtained, finding that the patient sustained fractures of C5 and C6, as well as a bilateral facet dislocation at C5/C6. Computed tomography confirmed the fractures, and magnetic resonance imaging findings demonstrated cervical spinal cord compression and posterior spinal cord displacement. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was referred for preoperative medical evaluation. He underwent C5-6 closed reduction and anterior/posterior fusion surgery and was released without complication. Patient follow-up indicated full recovery with minimal neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: Cervical spine fracture-dislocations are often missed during standard radiographic examinations in emergency department settings. Chiropractors are encouraged to perform a comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with cervical trauma even if they have had prior x-ray films reported as normal. Standard x-ray films taken at emergency department facilities are not entirely reliable for detecting or revealing cervical spine fracture-dislocations. This case stresses the importance of careful clinical assessment and imaging procedures on patients who have encountered cervical spine trauma.     

Normal global motion of the cervical spine: an electrogoniometric study.

OBJECTIVE: Establishment of a normal database and clinical reference of active global cervical spine motion ranges and patterns using a commercial electrogoniometer. DESIGN: Three-dimensional cervical motion ranges and patterns were analyzed in 250 asymptomatic volunteers. BACKGROUND: In vivo out-of-plane motion patterns of the cervical spine have not yet been reported in large populations, but could be of clinical interest. METHODS: In 250 subjects (aged 14-70 yr), motion range and patterns between the first thoracic vertebra and the head were analyzed for flexion-extension, lateral bending, rotation in neutral sagittal plane position and in full flexion using the CA 6000 Spine Motion Analyzer. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Average motion range in the sagittal plane was 122 degrees (SD: 18 degrees ). Flexion was slightly more important than extension. Out-of-plane components were negligible. Global bending range averaged 88 degrees (SD: 16 degrees ), left and right bending being comparable. Homolateral rotation was associated to lateral bending. Its extent was approximately 40% of the bending range. Global rotation range in neutral sagittal plane position was 144 degrees (SD: 20 degrees ), without significant difference between right and left rotations. Associated motion components were small. During rotation in flexed head position, global range (134 degrees, SD: 24 degrees ) was comparable to the one in neutral flexion. But heterolateral bending, averaging 60% of the primary motion, was associated to flexed rotation. Significant reduction of all primary (but not conjunct) motions with age were obtained. Sex had no influence on cervical motion range. RELEVANCE: Our results agreed with previous observations, validating the methodology used. They thus constitute reference data of cervical out-of-plane motion for clinical applications.     

Rehabilitation in spinal cord disorders. 2. Anatomy, pathogenesis, and research for neurologic recovery

This self-directed learning module highlights advances in this topic area. It is part of the chapter on rehabilitation in spinal cord disorders in the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article contains learning objectives on the anatomy of the spine and spinal cord, pathogenesis of spinal cord trauma, mechanisms of spinal fractures and dislocations, causes of nontraumatic spinal cord disorders, and research on neurologic recovery. Advances that are covered in this section include various experimental animal models for producing spinal cord injury and new approaches to limit damage in acute injury and to promote recovery in chronic injury.     

Cervical spine rotation and lateral flexion combined motion in the examination of the thoracic outlet

The axial rotation and simultaneous lateral flexion of the cervical spine is kinesiologically related to the movements of the upper thoracic spine. Five brachialgia patients were found to have a hypomobile first rib on the painful side in a cineradiographic study. The kinesiologic finding was the following: when the neutrally positioned cervical spine was first maximally rotated passively away from the painful side, the passive lateral flexion was restricted in this position. This can be due to the first thoracic transverse process bumping against the subluxated first rib. This test of cervicothoracic mobility is useful in the examination of the thoracic outlet function.     

Spinal movement and performance of a standing reach task in participants with and without Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence suggests that individuals with early and mid-stage Parkinson disease (PD) have diminished range of motion (ROM). Spinal ROM influences the ability to function. In this investigation, the authors examined available spinal ROM, segmental excursions (the ROM used) during reaching, and their relationships in community-dwelling adults with and without PD. SUBJECTS: The subjects were 16 volunteers with PD (modified Hoehn and Yahr stages 1.5-3) and 32 participants without PD who were matched for age, body mass index, and sex. METHODS: Range of motion of the extremities was measured using a goniometer, and ROM of the spine was measured using the functional axial rotation (FAR) test, a measure of unrestricted cervico-thoracic-lumbar rotation in the seated position. Motion during reaching was determined using 3-dimensional motion analysis. Group differences were determined using multivariable analysis of variance followed by analysis of variance. Contributions to total reaching distance of segmental excursions (eg, thoracic rotation, thoracic lateral flexion) were determined using forward stepwise regression. RESULTS: Subjects with PD as compared with subjects without PD had less ROM (FAR of 98.2 degrees versus 110.3 degrees, shoulder flexion of 151.9 degrees versus 160.1 degrees) and less forward reaching (29.5 cm versus 34.0 cm). Lateral trunk flexion and total rotation relative to the ground contributed to reaching, with the regression model explaining 36% of the variance. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results contribute to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that spinal ROM is impaired early in PD.     

B超检测脊髓损伤患者导尿后膀胱残余尿量与体位的相关性探讨

目的 探讨不同体位与导尿后脊髓损伤患者残余尿量的相关性.方法 随机抽取脊髓损伤患者34例,采用床旁超声仪对其进行平卧位、侧卧位、斜坡卧位的导尿后膀胱残余尿量的检测并对结果进行方差分析.结果 不同体位导尿后膀胱残余尿量比较无显著差异.结论 体位对导尿后的膀胱残余尿量无显著影响.     

Cervical Spine Injuries in Children, Part II: Management and Special Considerations

Background: The diagnosis and management of cervical spine injury is more complex in children than in adults. Objectives: Part I of this series stressed the importance of tailoring the evaluation of cervical spine injuries based on age, mechanism of injury, and physical examination findings. Part II will discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the management of pediatric cervical spine injuries in the emergency department. Discussion: Children have several common variations in their anatomy, such as pseudosubluxation of C2–C3, widening of the atlantodens interval, and ossification centers, that can appear concerning on imaging but are normal. Physicians should be alert for signs or symptoms of atlantorotary subluxation and spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality when treating children with spinal cord injury, as these conditions have significant morbidity. MRI can identify injuries to the spinal cord that are not apparent with other modalities, and should be used when a child presents with a neurologic deficit but normal X-ray study or CT scan. Conclusion: With knowledge of these variations in pediatric anatomy, emergency physicians can appropriately identify injuries to the cervical spine and determine when further imaging is needed.     

A review of biomechanics of the central nervous system--Part III: spinal cord stresses from postural loads and their neurologic effects.

OBJECTIVE: To review literature pertaining to neurologic disorders stemming from abnormal postures of the spine. DATA COLLECTION: A hand search of available reference texts and a computer search of literature from Index Medicus sources was performed, with special emphasis placed on spinal cord stresses and strains caused by various postural rotations and translations of the skull, thorax, and pelvis. RESULTS: Spinal postures will often deform the neural elements within the spinal canal. Spinal postures can be broken down into four types of loading: axial, pure bending, torsion, and transverse, which cause normal and shear stresses and strains in the neural tissues and blood vessels. Prolonged stresses and strains in the neural elements cause a multitude of disease processes. CONCLUSION: Four types of postural loads create a variety of stresses and strains in the neural tissue, depending on the exact magnitude and direction of the forces. Transverse loading is the most complex load. The stresses and strains in the neural elements and vascular supply are directly related to the function of the sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems. The literature indicates that prolonged loading of the neural tissue may lead to a wide variety of degenerative disorders or symptoms. The most offensive postural loading of the central nervous system and related structures occurs in any procedure or position requiring spinal flexion. Thus flexion traction, rehabilitation positions, exercises, spinal manipulation, and surgical fusions in any position other than lordosis for the cervical and lumbar spines should be questioned.