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Case Reports
. 2012:6:548-52.
doi: 10.2174/1874325001206010548. Epub 2012 Nov 30.

Cervical spine immobilization in sports related injuries: review of current guidelines and a case study of an injured athlete

Js Bhamra  1 , Y Morar, Ws Khan, K Deep, A Hammer
Affiliations
Case Reports

Cervical spine immobilization in sports related injuries: review of current guidelines and a case study of an injured athlete

Js Bhamra et al. Open Orthop J. 2012.

Abstract

Cervical spine immobilization is an essential component of the ATLS(®) system. Inadequate training in the management of trauma calls and failure of early recognition can have disastrous consequences. Pre-hospital personnel are routinely involved more in the assessment and stabilization of patients in comparison to other health care professionals.This case study and review highlights the importance of early recognition, assessment and correct stabilization of cervical spine injuries both in the field and during the initial assessment in hospital.Inadequate assessment, immobilization and lack of standard guidelines on the management of suspected cervical spine trauma can result in secondary injury. Regular assessment and training of pre-hospital and medical personnel is essential to the proper management of these potentially devastating injuries.

Keywords: Athletes; case report; guidelines; review; sports related injuries; traumatic cervical spine injury..

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Figures

Fig. (1)
Fig. (1)
Immobilized patient lying in prone position; as found in the field by paramedics.
Fig. (2)
Fig. (2)
Commuted Tomography (CT) scan demonstrating atlantoaxial dislocation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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