Table of Contents
What is C-spine immobilization?
Immobilization of the cervical spine is a cornerstone of spinal injury management. In the context of suspected cervical spine injury, patients are immobilized in a ‘neutral position’ based on the head and trunk resting on a flat surface.
When should you use spinal motion restriction?
Patients for whom spinal motion restriction should be considered include those who have sustained blunt trauma through a high-energy mechanism and any of the following:
- Altered level of consciousness.
- Drug or alcohol intoxication.
- Inability to communicate.
- Spinal column pain and/or tenderness.
What is the mandatory application criteria for spinal immobilization?
The patient must be alert (GCS 15) The patient cannot be intoxicated. The patient cannot have a distracting injury. The patient is not high risk (age >65 y or dangerous mechanism or paresthesias in extremities)
How do you immobilize C spine?
The traditional ATLS teaching for adequate spinal immobilization of a patient in a major trauma situation is a well fitted hard collar with blocks and tape to secure the cervical spine in addition to a backboard to protect the rest of the spine. other devices currently in use are scoop stretcher and vacuum splint.
Why do we hold C spine?
Stabilizing the cervical spine To prevent hyperextension of the head and neck, padding between the occiput and the board must be used in the vast majority of patients who are immobilized. Remember to immobilize the torso first, followed by the head and neck.
What is C spine stabilization?
Cervical spine stabilization is a procedure frequently performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons to treat spinal instability, which is the loss of the spine’s ability to tolerate pain, structural deformity, or neurological damage under normal conditions.
Why is spinal immobilization important?
Spinal immobilization is performed primarily to prevent or minimize secondary damage to the spinal cord caused by injuries causing instability of the spinal column [3].
What does full spinal precautions mean?
Spinal precautions, also known as spinal immobilization and spinal motion restriction, are efforts to prevent movement of the spine in those with a risk of a spine injury. This is done as an effort to prevent injury to the spinal cord.
What is spinal immobilization and why is it used?
Background: Spinal immobilisation involves the use of a number of devices and strategies to stabilise the spinal column after injury and thus prevent spinal cord damage. The practice is widely recommended and widely used in trauma patients with suspected spinal cord injury in the pre-hospital setting.
How do you manually hold the C spine?
If the patient is awake, place both hands on either side of the patient’s head to steady it. Hold the patient’s head gently but firmly to keep it from moving. Only release the head to help with the patient’s airway, breathing, or circulation, or if the scene becomes unsafe.
How do you do C spine immobilization?
Standard C-spine immobilization is performed with a hard collar in conjunction with a backboard, vacuum mattress, or similar device. Typically lateral support devices are also employed . The patient’s neck requires manual stabilization in a neutral, in-line position until he or she is fully immobilized.