Initial Management of the Patient With Cervical Spine Injury

Authors

Ashish Taneja, Medical College of Wisconsin
Chirag A. Berry, Medical College of Wisconsin
Raj D. Rao, Medical College of Wisconsin

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

3-1-2013

Journal

Seminars in Spine Surgery

Volume

25

Issue

1

DOI

10.1053/j.semss.2012.07.005

Abstract

Initial management, beginning at the scene of the accident, plays a pivotal role in determining the long-term prognosis of patients with cervical spine injury. Early and appropriate measures increase the likelihood of neurological recovery and subsequently reduce complications from prolonged immobilization and recumbency. This manuscript discusses the prehospital and hospital management of a patient with cervical spine injury, including the techniques of immobilization, initial clinicoradiographic evaluation, the current consensus on " clearance" of the cervical spine, medical management of spinal cord injuries, and the issue of timing of surgery. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

APA Citation

Taneja, A., Berry, C., & Rao, R. (2013). Initial Management of the Patient With Cervical Spine Injury. Seminars in Spine Surgery, 25 (1). http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.semss.2012.07.005