Instrumental assessment of cervical spine mobility in patients with whiplash injury for forensic application

The present study implemented the MADYMO 50th percentile male head-neck model to investigate effects of initial spinal posture on cervical spine kinematics in whiplash. The model was altered to three initial postures: lordosis, straight, kyphosis. The three models were exercised under 2.6 m/sec rear impact pulses. Segmental kinematics and ligament strains were investigated during cervical S-curvature and throughout the whiplash event. Anterior longitudinal ligament strains during S-curvature varied from 20 to 47% of maximum strains. Facet joint strains during S-curvature were 42 to 100% of maximum strains. This finding indicates that facet joint ligaments are more susceptible to whiplash injury during S-curvature, while anterior longitudinal ligament injury likely occurs during the extension phase. Kyphosis and straight postures increased anterior longitudinal ligament strains in the upper cervical spine from the lordosis posture. Lower cervical facet joint and anterior longitudinal ligament strains were greater in the lordosis posture. This study shows that spinal posture may affect injury mechanisms and render a specific population more susceptible to whiplash injury.

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A Discussion of Whiplash Injury to the Cervical Spine

Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine ◽

10.1080/1355297x.1995.11719774 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23

Author(s):

M Pickin

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Whiplash Injury

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Short-term effects of an upper cervical spine traction-manipulation program in patients with cervicogenic dizziness: A case series study

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ◽

10.3233/bmr-181479 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 961-967

Author(s):

Andoni Carrasco-Uribarren ◽

Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz ◽

Miguel Malo-Urriés ◽

César Hidalgo-García ◽

José Miguel Tricás-Moreno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Case Series ◽

Upper Cervical Spine ◽

Cervical Pain ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Spine Mobility ◽

Upper Cervical ◽

Cervical Spine Manipulation ◽

Cervicogenic Dizziness ◽

Series Study

BACKGROUND: Damage on the somatosensory system could cause sensation of dizziness, a condition known as cervicogenic dizziness (CD). Manual physical therapy has shown beneficial effects, relieving the symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness. However, the effect of upper cervical spine manipulation is unknown, as this is a technique that respects the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) safety criteria. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of upper cervical spine traction-manipulation in subjects with cervicogenic dizziness. METHODS: This was a descriptive case series study. Treatment focused on the upper cervical spine manipulation procedure. Evaluation was performed before and after the treatment. Variables recorded include upper and lower cervical range of motion, Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test (CFRT), dizziness intensity and cervical pain (VAS), self-perceived dizziness measured with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and subjective perception of outcome (GROC-scale). RESULTS: Ten subjects were recruited. After the treatment protocol, there was an increased range of movement towards the most restricted side, as measured by the CFRT (p< 0.001), decreased intensity of dizziness (p< 0.001) and intensity of pain (p< 0.001). Functional capacity also improved after the intervention (p< 0.011). CONCLUSION: Upper cervical spine manipulation may decrease dizziness intensity and cervical pain and improve functional ability and upper cervical spine mobility in patients with cervicogenic dizziness.

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Airway Management with Cervical Spine Immobilisation: A Comparison between the Macintosh Laryngoscope, Truview Evo2, and Totaltrack VLM Used by Novices—A Manikin Study

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/1297527 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Dawid Aleksandrowicz ◽

Tomasz Gaszyński

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Airway Management ◽

Macintosh Laryngoscope ◽

Spine Injury ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Laryngoscopic View ◽

Ventilation Time ◽

Spine Mobility ◽

Airway Devices ◽

Time Required

Airway management in patients with suspected cervical spine injury plays an important role in the pathway of care of trauma patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different airway devices during intubation of a patient with reduced cervical spine mobility. Forty students of the third year of emergency medicine studies participated in the study (F=26,M=14). The time required to obtain a view of the entry to the larynx and successful ventilation time were recorded. Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopic view and damage to the incisors were also assessed. All three airway devices were used by each student (a novice) and they were randomly chosen. The mean time required to obtain the entry-to-the-larynx view was the shortest for the Macintosh laryngoscope 13.4 s (±2.14). Truview Evo2 had the shortest successful ventilation time 35.7 s (±9.27). The best view of the entry to the larynx was obtained by the Totaltrack VLM device. The Truview Evo2 and Totaltrack VLM may be an alternative to the classic Macintosh laryngoscope for intubation of trauma patients with suspected injury to the cervical spine. The use of new devices enables achieving better laryngoscopic view as well as minimising incisor damage during intubation.

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