Cervical spine immobilization in patients with a geriatric facial structure

• Verfasst von: Jung, Matthias [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Grützner, Paul Alfred [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Schneider, Niko [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Keil, Holger [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Kreinest, Michael [VerfasserIn]
• Titel: Cervical spine immobilization in patients with a geriatric facial structure
• Titelzusatz: the influence of a geriatric mandible structure on the immobilization quality using a cervical collar
• Verf.angabe: Matthias K. Jung, MD, Paul A. Grützner, MD, Niko R.E. Schneider, MD, Holger Keil, MD and Michael Kreinest, MD, PhD
• E-Jahr: 2021
• Jahr: June 10, 2021
• Umfang: 6 S.
• Fussnoten: Gesehen am 25.10.2021
• Titel Quelle: Enthalten in: Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation
• Ort Quelle: Thousand Oaks, Calif. [u.a.] : Sage Publ., 2010
• Jahr Quelle: 2021
• Band/Heft Quelle: 12(2021), Seite 1-6
• ISSN Quelle: 2151-4593
• DOI: doi:10.1177/21514593211021824
• Datenträger: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: eng
• Sach-SW: cervical collar
• Sach-SW: cervical spine
• Sach-SW: geriatric facial structure
• Sach-SW: immobilization quality
• K10plus-PPN: 1775123618

Abstract

Introduction:Demographic changes have resulted in an increase in injuries among geriatric patients. For these patients, a rigid cervical collar is crucial for immobilizing the cervical spine. However, evidence suggests that patients with a geriatric facial structure require a different means of immobilization than patients with an adult facial structure. This study aimed to analyze the remaining motion of the immobilized cervical spine based on facial structure.Materials and Methods:This study was performed on 8 fresh human cadavers. Facial structure was evaluated via ascertaining the mandibular angle by computer tomography. A mandibular angle below 130°, belongs to the adult facial structure group (n = 4) and a mandibular angle above 130°, belongs to the geriatric facial structure group (n = 4). The flexion and lateral bending of the immobilized cervical spine were analyzed in both groups using a wireless motion tracker system.Results:A flexion of up to 19.0° was measured in the adult facial structure group. The mean flexion in the adult vs. geriatric facial structure groups were 14.5° vs. 6.5° (ranges: 9.0-19.0 vs. 5.0-7.0°), respectively. Thus, cervical spine motion was (p = 0.0286) significantly more reduced in the adult facial structure group. No (p = 0.0571) significant difference was oberserved in the mean lateral bending of the adult facial structure group (14.5°) compared to the geriatric facial structure group (7.5°).Conclusion:Emergency medical service personnel should therefore follow current guidelines and recommendations and perform cervical spine immobilization with a cervical collar, including in patients with a geriatric facial structure.