Cervical Spine Evaluation and Clearance in the Intoxicated Patient: A Prospective Western Trauma Association Multi-Institutional Trial and Survey

Rigid cervical spine (Csp) immobilization is commonly used in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with blunt trauma. Common practice guidelines such as the NEXUS rule do not allow Csp clearance for intoxicated patients. Such patients are often subject to prolonged Csp immobilization even after negative computed tomography (CT) imaging which subjects them to risks including aspiration, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, increased agitation and more.
Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Abstract Source Type: research