Intubation of the trauma patient with a fractured cervical spine: controversies and consensus

Abstract

Intubation of the multiple trauma patient with suspected cervical spine injury has been the focus of much recent debate. Data demonstrating the safety of orotracheal intubation with manual in-line stabilization (1-4), has caused the emphasis to shift from use of a specific technique to operator skill and comfort (5). We present and discuss the management of a multiple trauma patient with suspected cervical spine injury.