Is the Novel Lateral Trauma Position More Effective than the Log-Roll Maneuver for Spinal Trauma?

Is it the new position for trauma? The Research Hyldmo PK, Horodyski M, Conrad BP, et al. Does the novel lateral trauma position cause more motion in an unstable cervical spine injury than the logroll maneuver? Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35:1630–1635. The Science The authors sought to examine the degree of cervical spine motion that occurs during the traditional log-roll maneuver compared to a technique called the "lateral trauma position." A neurosurgeon created an unstable cervical spine injury in five fresh cadavers by cutting all the ligaments between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebra. An electromagnetic tracking device was applied over and around the cervical spine to measure motion of the unstable cervical spine during any maneuvers. The cadavers were then placed in the supine position and EMTs were tasked to apply a cervical collar then perform the log-roll maneuver or place the cadaver in the lateral trauma position. The authors found no significant difference in motion of the cervical spine with either technique. Doc Wesley Comments From the earliest days of EMS, we have been taught and tested to log-roll our trauma patient on to a backboard and then transport them on their back in the supine position. The supine position in the minimally or unresponsive patient increases the risk of aspiration in the event the patient vomits. It's been recommended that, when this happens, we simply need to roll the patient on their side to clear their airway. Yeah, right! ...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Trauma Columns Source Type: news