Clinically relevant bleeding risk in low-energy fragility fractures of the pelvis in elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: Low-energy fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are an underestimated entity, yet increasing in incidence. The bleeding risk for pelvic fractures in high-energy trauma is well known, resulting in adequate treatment guidelines and clear protocols. This is not the case for FFPs but this risk is presumably low. This study aims to investigate the clinically relevant bleeding risk, in patients older than 50 years with a fragility fracture of the pelvis admitted to the emergency department (ED). METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of consecutive patients aged over 50 years with a FFP due to low-energy trauma (LET) presented to the ED of a single trauma center (North-West Clinics in Alkmaar, The Netherlands) between January 2018 and August 2022. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients requiring blood transfusion, or invasive procedures such as coiling by the interventional radiologists or damage control surgery, due to bleeding. Secondary outcomes were the mean decrease of hemoglobin and mortality. RESULTS: In total, 322 consecutive patients with a mean age of 80 years of which 84% female were included. In total 66% was admitted to the hospital and seven patients underwent surgical intervention. Three cases (0.9%) of potentially clinically relevant bleeding were observed. These three cases needed a blood transfusion, without other interventions, and were all admitted with a low hemoglobin level without signs of hemodynamic instability. No invasive interventions were noted. CONCLUSION: The risk of bleeding in FFP's is very low with very few patients requiring blood transfusions (< 1%) and with no invasive interventions due to bleeding. Since the risk of clinically relevant bleeding is low, the significance of repeated Hb checks and CECT may be questionable. The effect of these diagnostics in case of absence of hemodynamic instability and above borderline normal Hb levels needs to be investigated in further studies.

Current consensus and clinical approach to fragility fractures of the pelvis: an international survey of expert opinion.

Introduction: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in elderly patients are an underappreciated injury with a significant impact on mobility, independency, and mortality of affected patients and is a growing burden for society/health care. Given the lack of clinical practice guidelines for these injuries, the authors postulate there is heterogeneity in the current use of diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies (both operative and nonoperative), and follow-up of patients with FFP. The goal of this study was to assess international variation in the management of FFP. Methods: All International Orthopaedic Trauma Association (IOTA) steering committee members were asked to select 15 to 20 experts in the field of pelvic surgery to complete a case-driven international survey. The survey addresses the definition of FFP, use of diagnostic modalities, timing of imaging, mobilization protocols, and indications for surgical management. Results: In total, 143 experts within 16 IOTA societies responded to the survey. Among the experts, 86% have >10 years of experience and 80% works in a referral center for pelvic fractures. However, only 44% of experts reported having an institutional protocol for the management of FFP. More than 89% of experts feel the need for a (inter)national evidence-based guideline. Of all experts, 73% use both radiographs and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose FFP, of which 63% routinely use CT and 35% used CT imaging selectively. Treatment strategies of anterior ring fractures were compared with combined (anterior and posterior ring) fractures. Thirty-seven percent of patients with anterior ring fractures get admitted to the hospital compared with 75% of patients with combined fractures. Experts allow pain-guided mobilization in 72% after anterior ring fracture but propose restricted weight-bearing in case of a combined fracture in 44% of patients. Surgical indications are primarily based on the inability to mobilize during hospital admission (33%) or persistent pain after 2 weeks (25%). Over 92% plan outpatient follow-up independent of the type of fracture or treatment. Conclusion: This study shows that there is a great worldwide heterogeneity in the current use of diagnostic modalities and both nonoperative and surgical management of FFP, emphasizing the need for a consensus meeting or guideline.

Overview of fracture liaison services in the UK and Europe: standards, model of care, funding, and challenges.

Fragility fractures represent a growing global problem, including in the United Kingdom and European countries. Reports demonstrate the benefits of national guidance and organized fragility fracture programs through fracture liaison services to deliver care to patients who sustain these injuries. The challenge of assembling multidisciplinary teams, providing routine screening of appropriate patients, and monitoring therapies where there is a known compliance problem, remains an obstacle to the success of fragility fracture treatment programs to all. Efforts should continue to introduce and maintain fracture liaison services through coordinated national approaches and advanced systems.

Additional clinical value of routine CT imaging in fragility fractures of the pelvis: a prospective cohort study (ARTIFACT).

PURPOSE: Additional CT imaging for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) has a high detection rate for concomitant posterior ring fractures (cPRFs). However, the clinical value of routine additional CT imaging is unknown. This study aimed to determine the additional clinical value of routine CT imaging by changes in treatment policy and to establish the predictive value of pain localized around the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) for cPRFs. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a single teaching hospital in the Netherlands between November 2019 and November 2020. Patients were included if they were ≥ 65 years and had a (suspected) FFP on the pelvic radiograph. All patients underwent additional CT imaging. Changes in treatment policies ((possible) surgery, restrictive weight-bearing, hospital admission and outpatient follow-up) after CT imaging were registered. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (44 female) were included with a mean age of 80.6 years. Routine CT imaging revealed an additional cPRF in 27 patients (53%). A change in treatment occurred in 29 patients (57%), of which 7 (12%) were managed either surgical or with restrictive weight-bearing. The presence of pain around the SIJ had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 61% for detecting a cPRF. CONCLUSION: Routine additional CT imaging has few direct therapeutic consequences with regards to surgical management or restrictive weight-bearing. These findings may be altered when considering a lower threshold for surgical intervention. The presence of pain around the SIJ was highly predictive for a clinically relevant cPRF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NL8011 on 02-09-2019.

The effect of socioeconomic status on severe traumatic injury: a statistical analysis.

PURPOSE: The amount of studies performed regarding a link between socioeconomic status (SES) and fatal outcome after traumatic injury is limited. Most research is focused on work-related injuries without taking other important characteristics into account. The aim of this study is to examine the association between SES and outcome after traumatic injury. METHODS: The study involved polytrauma patients [Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16] admitted to the Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc) and Northwest Clinics Alkmaar (level 1 trauma centers). The SES of every patient was based on their postal code and represented with a "status score". Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to estimate the association between SES and mortality, length of stay at the hospital and length of stay at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Z-statistics were used to determine the difference between the expected and actual survival, based on Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and PSNL15 (probability of survival based on the Dutch population). RESULTS: A total of 967 patients were included in this study. The lowest SES group was significantly associated with more penetrating injuries and a younger age (45 years versus 55 years). Additionally, severely injured patients with lower SES were noted to have a prolonged stay at the ICU. Furthermore, differences were found in the expected and observed survival, especially for the lower SES groups. CONCLUSION: Polytrauma patients with lower SES have more often penetrating injuries, are younger and have a longer stay at the ICU. No association was found between SES and length of hospital stay and neither between SES and mortality.

[Metal implants and airport security checks]. / Metalen implantaten en veiligheidscontroles op luchthavens.

Orthopaedic surgeons and trauma surgeons in the Netherlands are implanting 65,000 joint replacements and treating nearly 300,000 fractures per year. For many travellers with a metal implant - but also for the physicians who are treating them - it is unclear what the consequences will be when they have to go through airport security checks. These checks follow a fixed procedure in accordance with European rules which involves travellers passing through a number of visible and invisible barriers. The first barrier is usually a metal detector or a millimetre wave scanner; when the implant has been detected, this is followed by a body search. The electromagnetic field of a metal detector penetrates into the body; the metal detector has therefore a higher detection rate for metal implants than a millimetre wave scanner, of which radio waves reach up to or just below the skin. Medical documentation can help reassure the traveller or the security officer, but possible additional checks cannot be avoided.

Trauma and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is currently a topic of high priority for policy-makers, researchers and clinicians. The World Health Organization estimated 804,000 suicide deaths worldwide in 2012. Some studies that focused on patients with self-inflicted injury revealed that mortality in this group is higher than for patients who sustain unintentional injury. However little is known about the impact of psychiatric disorders on health care resources including length of hospital stay. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether trauma patients with a psychiatric disorder or after attempting suicide are at higher risk of a complicated course than patients without a psychiatric disorder or accidental cause. The secondary objective was to provide an overview of the current literature on the same group of trauma patients with psychiatric comorbidity in regard to mortality rate, length of stay, hospital costs and quality of life. Our primary outcome measure, complicated course, was found to be most clinically relevant. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo electronic databases. All searches were updated to March 2016. The methodological quality was assessed using the QUIPS tool. RESULTS: Our search identified 9284 articles (PubMed 3660, Embase 2590, PsycInfo 3034). Of these, 18 articles were included. Four studies investigated the association between psychiatric disorders and a complicated course after trauma, three found a significant higher risk of complications. Mortality was reviewed in 14 studies, of which seven showed significant higher risk of in-hospital mortality for trauma patients with psychiatric disorder. Eight of nine studies found significant prolonged length of stay for these patients. CONCLUSION: Patients who have a psychiatric disorder or who have attempted suicide are at higher risk of increased in-hospital mortality and prolonged length of stay after sustaining injuries. These patients also tend to be at higher risk of complications after severe trauma, however future research is needed to confirm these potentially important implications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, level III.

The efficacy of continuous-flow cryo and cyclic compression therapy after hip fracture surgery on postoperative pain: design of a prospective, open-label, parallel, multicenter, randomized controlled, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The number of hip fractures and resulting post-surgical outcome are a major public health concern and the incidence is expected to increase significantly. The acute recovery phase after hip fracture surgery in elder patients is often complicated by severe pain, high morphine consumption, perioperative blood loss with subsequent transfusion and delirium. Postoperative continuous-flow cryocompression therapy is suggested to minimize these complications and to attenuate the inflammatory reaction that the traumatic fracture and subsequent surgical trauma encompass. Based on a pilot study in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, it is anticipated that patients treated with continuous-flow cryocompression therapy will have less pain, less morphine consumption and lower decrease of postoperative hemoglobin levels. These factors are associated with a shorter hospital stay and better long-term (functional) outcome. METHODS/DESIGN: One hundred and sixty patients with an intra or extracapsular hip fracture scheduled for internal fixation (intramedullary hip nail, dynamic hip screw or cannulated screws) or prosthesis surgery (total hip or hemiarthroplasty) will be included in this prospective, open-label, parallel, multicenter, randomized controlled, clinical superiority trial. Patients will be allocated to two treatment arms: group 'A' will be treated with continuous-flow cryocompression therapy and compared to group 'B' that will receive standard care. Routine use of drains and/or compressive bandages is allowed in both groups. The primary objective of this study is to compare acute pain the first 72 h postoperative, measured with numeric rating scale for pain. Secondary objectives are: (non-) morphine analgesic use; adjusted postoperative hemoglobin level; transfusion incidence; incidence, duration and severity of delirium and use of psychotropic medication; length of stay; location and duration of rehabilitation; functional outcome; short-term patient-reported health outcome; general and cryotherapy related complications and feasibility. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized controlled trial that will assess the analgesic efficiacy of continuous-flow cryocompression therapy in the acute recovery phase after hip fracture surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.trialregister.nl, NTR4152 (23(rd) of August 2013).

Impact of secondary transfer on patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Within a trauma network in the Netherlands, neurosurgical facilities are usually limited to Level I hospitals. Initial transport to a district hospital of patients who are later found to require neurosurgical intervention may cause delay. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence on outcome and time intervals of secondary transfer in trauma patients requiring emergency neurosurgical intervention. METHODS: In a 3-year period, all patients who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and underwent a neurosurgical intervention within 6 hours after admission to a Level I trauma center were included. Patients were classified into two groups: direct presentation to the Level I trauma center (TC) group or requiring secondary transport after having been diagnosed for neurosurgical intervention in other hospitals (transfer group). RESULTS: Eighty patients were included for analyses. Twenty-four patients in the transfer group had a better Glasgow Coma Scale on-scene but a higher 30-day mortality compared with patients who were primarily presented to the Level I trauma center (33% vs. 27%; p = 0.553). In the transfer group, time to operation was 304 minutes compared with 151 minutes in the TC group (p < 0.001). Most delay occurred during the initial trauma evaluation and the interval between the first computed tomography and the transfer ambulance departure at the referring hospital. CONCLUSION: Patients requiring an emergency neurosurgical intervention appear to have a clinically relevant worse outcome after secondary transfer to a neurosurgical service. Therefore, patient care can probably be improved by better triage on-scene and standardized procedures in case of a secondary transfer.

Improved outcomes in the non-operative management of liver injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Non-operative management has become the treatment of choice in the majority of liver injuries. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in primary treatment and outcomes in a single Dutch Level 1 trauma centre with wide experience in angio-embolisation (AE). METHODS: The prospective trauma registry was retrospectively analysed for 7-year periods before (Period 1) and after (Period 2) the introduction of AE. The primary outcome was the failure rate of primary treatment defined as liver injury-related death or re-bleeding requiring radiologic or operative (re)interventions. Secondary outcomes were liver injury-related intra-abdominal complications. RESULTS: Despite an increase in high-grade liver injuries, the incidence of primary non-operative management more than doubled over the two periods, from 33% (20 of 61 cases) in Period 1 to 72% (84 of 116 cases) in Period 2 (P < 0.001). The failure rate of primary treatment in Period 1 was 18% (11/61), compared with 11% (13/116) in Period 2 (P= 0.21). Complication rates were 23% (14/61) and 16% (18/116) in Periods 1 and 2, respectively (P= 0.22). Liver-related mortality rates were 10% (6/61) and 3% (4/116) in Periods 1 and 2, respectively (P= 0.095). The increase in the frequency of non-operative management was even higher in high-grade injuries, in which outcomes were improved. In high-grade injuries in Periods 1 and 2, failure rates decreased from 45% (9/20) to 20% (11/55) (P= 0.041), liver-related mortality decreased from 30% (6/20) to 7% (4/55) (P= 0.019) and complication rates fell from 60% (12/20) to 27% (15/55) (P= 0.014). Liver infarction or necrosis and abscess formation seemed to occur more frequently with AE. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, liver-related mortality, treatment failure and complication rates remained constant despite an increase in non-operative management. However, in high-grade injuries outcomes improved after the introduction of AE.

The association of mobile medical team involvement on on-scene times and mortality in trauma patients.

OBJECTIVES: Mobile medical teams (MMTs) provide specialized care on-scene with the purpose to improve outcome. However, this additional care could prolong the on-scene time (OST), which is related to mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of MMT involvement on the mortality rate and on the OST, in a Dutch consecutive cohort of Level I trauma patients. METHODS: All patients who required presentation in the trauma resuscitation room in an urban Level I trauma center were included in this prospective study during the period of November 2005 till November 2007. For data collection, we used both pre- and in-hospital registration systems. Outcome measures were 30-day mortality and OST. RESULTS: In total, 1,054 patients were analyzed. In 172 (16%) patients, the MMT was involved. Mortality was significantly higher in the MMT group compared with patients treated without MMT involvement; 9.9% versus 2.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Significantly higher Injury Severity Scores, intervention rates, and a significantly lower Triage Revised Trauma Score were found in patients treated by MMT. After adjustment for patient and injury characteristics, no association could be found between MMT involvement and higher mortality (95% CI, 0.581-3.979; p = 0.394). In patients with severe traumatic brain injury (GCS score ≤ 8) in whom a MMT was involved, the mortality was 25.5%, compared with 32.7% in those without MMT involvement (p = 0.442). The mean OST was prolonged (2.7 minutes) when MMT was involved (26.1 vs. 23.4 minutes; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, OSTs were long compared with PHTLS recommendations. MMT involvement slightly prolonged the OST. Trauma patients with MMT involvement had a high mortality, but after correction for patient and injury characteristics, the mortality rate did not significantly differ from patients without MMT involvement.

Plate fixation or intramedullary fixation of humeral shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures remains debatable. Previously published trials have been limited in size and have been inconclusive regarding important patient outcome variables following treatment with either intramedullary nails or plates. We conducted a meta-analysis of available trials comparing treatment of humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: We performed a literature search from 1967 to November 2007 in the main medical search engines and selected 4 randomized trials that compared nails and plates in patients with humeral shaft fractures and that reported on complications due to surgery. We statistically pooled patient data using standard meta-analytic approaches. Our primary outcome was the total complication rate, comprised of all complications listed in the articles included. Secondary outcomes included non-union, infection, nerve palsy, and reoperation rate. Methodology was assessed using the CLEAR NPT. RESULTS: When pooling the data of the 4 trials (n = 203 patients), we did not find a statistically significant difference between implants in the rate of total complications, non-union, infection, nerve-palsy, or the need for reoperation. The studies included were small and had methodological limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests stastistically insignificant differences between plates and nails in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, and methodological limitations argue strongly for a definitive, large trial. We recommend that this trial should be a randomized controlled trial with appropriate allocation of patients and blinding of patients and care providers and outcome assessors, and that it should include patient-important outcomes.

Patient related functional outcome of glenoid rim fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient related outcome and shoulder stability following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in patients with glenoid rim fractures. After a median follow-up of four years, 14 patients completed the Rowe Shoulder Stability Score and Quick DASH questionnaire. The median Rowe score was 90 (Q1: 88, Q3: 100). Results were graded excellent in 11 patients and good in three. The median DASH score was 4.6 (Q1: 0, Q3: 32). In conclusion this study showed that ORIF of type la and 2 glenoid rim fractures provided satisfactory results with respect to prevention of instability. However, patient reported functional outcome was disappointing in 21% of the patients.

Historical Treatment Results of Pelvic Ring Fractures: A 12-year Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Since the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam was appointed as a level-1 trauma center in July 1997, the number of polytrauma patients who were presented has increased. This stimulated us to perform a retrospective analysis on the treatment results of patients with a pelvic ring fracture and to evaluate our treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review of all patients with a partially stable fracture (Tile/AO type B) or an unstable fracture (Tile/AO type C) was performed. All patients presented between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2001 were included. Two historical groups (1990-1997 and 1998-2001) were formed. General demographics, treatment method, complications, re-operations, length of hospital stay and anatomic results were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included in group 1 and 65 patients in group 2. There was a lower mortality in group 2. The B-fractures were treated either conservatively (group 1 83.3% vs. group 2 73.8%), by external fixation (16.7 vs. 9.5%) or by ORIF (0 vs. 16.7%). C-fractures were treated by ORIF in 32.1 versus 82.6%, by external fixation in 28.6 versus 4.4% and conservatively 39.3 versus 13.0%, respectively. Fracture healing with less than 10 mm displacement was achieved in 58.3 versus 78.6% for the B-fractures, while this was achieved in 42.9 versus 73.9% in the C-fractures. Group 2 showed significantly fewer complications. CONCLUSION: Evaluating two consecutive patient groups shows an increase in the number of fractures. A more aggressive surgical treatment has lead to lower mortality, improved anatomical reduction, and lower rate of complications.

The effect of the introduction of the Amsterdam Trauma Workflow Concept on mortality and functional outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the introduction of an all-in workflow concept that included direct computed tomography (CT) scanning in the trauma room on mortality and functional outcome of trauma patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to a level-1 trauma center. To this end, a retrospective comparison was made of a 1-year cohort prior to the implementation of the all-in workflow concept (Pre-CT in trauma room cohort [Pre-TRCT]) and a 1-year cohort after the implementation (Post-TRCT). All severely injured TBI patients aged 16 years or older that were presented in our level-1 trauma center and that underwent a CT of the head were initially included. Severe TBI was defined as an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of >2 of the head region following trauma. Primary outcome parameter was TBI-related mortality during primary hospital admission. Secondary outcome parameter was the functional outcome based on GOS-Extended. A total of 59 patients were included in the Pre-TRCT and 49 in the Post-TRCT. Median age was 49 years in the Post-TRCT and 44 years in the Pre-TRCT (not significant [NS]). Median ISS was similar (ISS = 25). Median Head-AIS was higher in the Post-TRCT (5 vs. 4, NS). Initial CT scanning was completed faster in the Post-TRCT. There was a significant difference of 23% mortality in favor of the Post-TRCT for TBI-related mortality during primary hospital admission (p < 0.05). For acute neurosurgical interventions, time until intervention tended to be faster in the Post-TRCT (NS). Functional outcomes for survivors were higher in the Post-TRCT (6 vs. 5, NS).

Assessment of a new trauma workflow concept implementing a sliding CT scanner in the trauma room: the effect on workup times.

INTRODUCTION: We developed a new shockroom resuscitation setting that includes a moveable, multislice computed tomography (CT) scanner capable of scanning patients during the initial trauma resuscitation phase without (multiple) patient transfers that previously were necessary. This enables us to perform a complete diagnostic trauma workup, without leaving the shockroom. In this study, we assess the effect of the new Trauma Workflow Concept on the initial diagnostic workup times in the trauma room. MATERIALS: Data of 100 consecutive trauma patients were collected prospectively (2005 cohort) and compared with 100 consecutive trauma patients seen in our previous trauma resuscitation setting (2003 cohort). For all patients, time management was evaluated using video registration and complemented with electronic imaging times. Patients with and without CT scanning were compared with the effect of CT scanning on complete workup time, defined as time from admission to the trauma room to time of completion of diagnostic workup. RESULTS: Patient demographics, including appliance of CT imaging were similar. Complete diagnostic workup for patients who underwent CT imaging took an average of 79 minutes (standard deviation +/- 29 minutes) in the 2005 cohort and 105 minutes (standard deviation +/- 48 minutes) in the 2003 cohort. Complete diagnostic workup without CT imaging took 56 minutes and 53 minutes for the 2005 and 2003 cohorts, respectively. There was no difference found for nonscanned patients, whereas there was a significant difference between 2005 and 2003 for scanned patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our new trauma workflow concept with a sliding CT scanner was significantly faster for completing the initial diagnostic workup, especially when CT imaging was required.

External fixation of the pelvic ring: an experimental study on the role of pin diameter, pin position, and parasymphyseal fixator pins.

BACKGROUND: The mechanical properties of current external fixator systems for unstable (type C) pelvic ring fractures are inferior to internal fixation, and are not optimal for definitive treatment. We explored methods to increase stability of external fixator constructs. METHODS: An experimental model was used for load tests. The same pelvic fixator was used while different pin diameters, pin positions, and modes of pubic symphysis fixation were tested. RESULTS: Changing of the pin diameter of the unthreaded part from 6 to 8 mm resulted in an increase in stiffness of 20%. An increase in stiffness by a factor of 1.9 was found by placing a pin on the iliac crest and one supra-acetabular. An additional increase by a factor of 3.6 was obtained by adding pubic symphysis plate fixation. Parasymphyseal pin fixation instead reduced stiffness, but not so much as when parasymphyseal pins were connected to the external fixator of the pelvic ring. The final configuration was at least 6 times stiffer than the initial configuration. INTERPRETATION: The new concept of parasymphyseal pin fixation connected to an external fixator of the pelvic ring produces a considerable increase in stability for the treatment of type C pelvic ring injuries, as does an increase in pin diameter and alternative pin positioning.

A Retrospective Study of Five Clinical Criteria and One Age Criterion for Selective Prehospital Spinal Immobilization.

UNLABELLED: Full spinal immobilization of blunt trauma victims is a widely accepted prehospital measure, applied in order to prevent (further) damage to the spinal cord. However, looking at the marginal evidence that exists for the effectiveness of spinal immobilization, and the growing evidence for the negative effects following immobilization, a more selective protocol might be able to reduce possible morbidity and mortality as good as the present prehospital immobilization protocol. In a retrospective study, the sensitivity of a selective prehospital immobilization protocol that adds an age criterion to five clinical spine clearance criteria is examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on ICD-9 codes, all patients admitted to the trauma center diagnosed with spinal fractures with or without spinal damage were identified. The sensitivity of the combination of five clinical criteria (reduced awareness, evidence of intoxication, neurological deficit, pain of the spine on palpation, (significant) distracting injury) and an age criterion (65 years or older at time of accident) was determined. If one or more criteria were positive, standard full immobilization would be indicated. The other patients would not have been immobilized. RESULTS: A total of 238 blunt trauma victims primarily admitted to the trauma center were included for this study. Median age of the included patients was 39 years (range 5-98), with 32.8% female. A total of 236 had at least one positive criterion (sensitivity 99.2%). The two missed patients were male, 40 and 41 years old. Radiology showed a small fissure in the arch of C2, and a transverse process fracture of L3, respectively. Both patients were discharged the next day without complications or medical interventions. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, a selective protocol based on clinical criteria instead of trauma mechanism showed 99.2% sensitivity for spinal fractures with or without spinal cord damage. Based on this study and the current controversy surrounding spinal immobilization, a prospective study should be considered to evaluate the five clinical criteria and one age criterion in the prehospital setting.