Spinal immobilisation for unconscious patients with multiple injuries

Information concerning the use of spinal immobilization for unconscious patients with multiple injuries is presented. The risks of prolonged immobilization beyond 48-72 hours are poorly appreciated and exceed those of a serious missed cervical spine injury after normal plain radiography and computed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ 2004-08, Vol.329 (7464), p.495-499
Main Authors: Morris, C G, McCoy, E P, Lavery, G G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cervical spine
Cervical Vertebrae - injuries
Clinical Review
Computerized axial tomography
Consciousness
Craniocerebral trauma
General aspects
Humans
Imaging
Immobilization
Intensive care
Magnetic resonance imaging
Medical diagnosis
Medical sciences
Medical treatment
Morbidity
Mortality
Multiple trauma
Multiple Trauma - therapy
Patient immobilization
Physical Examination
Physical trauma
Pressure Ulcer - etiology
Spinal cord injuries
Trauma centers
Unconsciousness
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Description
Summary:Information concerning the use of spinal immobilization for unconscious patients with multiple injuries is presented. The risks of prolonged immobilization beyond 48-72 hours are poorly appreciated and exceed those of a serious missed cervical spine injury after normal plain radiography and computed tomography imaging.
ISSN:0959-8138
0959-8146
1468-5833
1756-1833
DOI:10.1136/bmj.329.7464.495