Self-extraction with and without a cervical collar: a biomechanical simulation study
Hontoria Hernández MI, Gordillo Martín R, Serrano Martínez FJ, Alonso Ibáñez L, Carazo Díaz C, López Merino D, Sánchez-Arévalo Morato S, Dixon M, Pardo Ríos M, Juguera Rodríguez L
Affiliation of the authors
Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain. Emergency Office 061 of the Region of Murcia, Spain. Three-dimensional Analysis of Body Recognition, Spain. Applied Statistical Methods in Medical Research Group, UCAM, Murcia, Spain. Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom. Surgical Specialties Department, Severo Ochoa Hospital, Leganés, Madrid. Author of Creative Nurse Blog, Spain. Senior Lecturer, Course Director Paramedic Studies. Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Ireland
Hontoria Hernández MI, Gordillo Martín R, Serrano Martínez FJ, Alonso Ibáñez L, Carazo Díaz C, López Merino D, et al. Self-extraction with and without a cervical collar: a biomechanical simulation study. Emergencias. 2019;31:36-38
Summary
Objective.
To compare self-extraction with and without a cervical collar in subjects at low risk of cervical spine injuries.
Methods.
Simulation study analyzing biomechanical data from inertial sensors to detect misalignment of the cervical spine during self-extraction with and without a cervical collar.
Results.
Misalignment was a mean (SD) 3.12 (34.62) degrees greater during self-extraction with a Stiffneck collar in place (95% CI, –15.33 to 21.57 degrees; P=.7234) than during extraction without a collar. Misalignment was also greater, by 5.95 (31.76) degrees, with an X-collar in place (95% CI, –10.98 to 22.87; P=.4654) than without a collar. The between-collar comparison of differences showed that misalignment was 2.83 (12.10) degrees greater with the X-collar (95% CI, –3.62 to 9.27 degrees; P=.3650).
Conclusion. Misalignment of the cervical spinal column is similar during self-extraction with or without a cervical collar in place.
