Cervical spine immobilization of penetrating neck wounds in a hostile environment.
J Trauma
; 29(3): 332-7, 1989 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-2926846
ABSTRACT
Current guidelines concerning trauma suggest that cervical spine immobilization be performed on all patients with penetrating wounds of the neck. This study was undertaken to examine the risks and benefits likely to be found when such care is provided in a hazardous environment, such as the battlefield, or the scene of a terrorist attack or domestic criminal action. Data for casualties from the Vietnam conflict were reviewed to determine the potential benefit of cervical spine immobilization on the battlefield. In this population, penetrating cervical cord injury was always fatal and usually immediately so. Only 1.4% of all casualties who were candidates for immobilization might have benefitted from the care. However, the risk of performing immobilization in a hazardous environment is substantial since about 10% of casualties are incurred while helping other casualties. Mandatory immobilization of all casualties with penetrating neck wounds sustained in an environment hazardous to first aid providers has an unfavorable risk/benefit ratio.
Search on Google
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Spinal Cord Injuries
/
Violence
/
Wounds, Penetrating
/
Cervical Vertebrae
/
Neck Injuries
/
Emergency Medical Services
/
Immobilization
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
J Trauma
Year:
1989
Document type:
Article