Acute Cervical Spine And Spinal Cord Injuries

Publication Date: February 28, 2013
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Immobilization

Spinal immobilization of all trauma patients with a cervical spine or SCI or with a mechanism of injury having the potential to cause cervical spinal injury is recommended. (Level II)
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Triage of patients with potential spinal injury at the scene by trained and experienced EMS personnel to determine the need for immobilization during transport is recommended. (Level II)
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Immobilization of trauma patients who are awake, alert, and not intoxicated; who are without neck pain or tenderness; who do not have an abnormal motor or sensory examination; and who do not have any significant associated injury that might detract from their general evaluation is not recommended. (Level II)
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Spinal immobilization in patients with penetrating trauma is not recommended because of the increased mortality from delayed resuscitation. (Level III)
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Overview

Title

Acute Cervical Spine And Spinal Cord Injuries

Authoring Organization

Congress of Neurological Surgeons