Open AccessA Methodology to Evaluate Motion of the Unstable Spine During Intubation Techniques
Author(s) -
William F. Donaldson,
Jeffrey D. Towers,
Allan Doctor,
Asher Brand,
Valerie P. Donaldson
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
spine (philadelphia, pa. 1976)/spine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.657
H-Index - 254
eISSN - 1528-1159
pISSN - 0362-2436
DOI - 10.1097/00007632-199310001-00015
Subject(s) - medicine , cadaveric spasm , cervical spine , chin , intubation , cricoid pressure , airway , surgery , orthodontics , anatomy
Airway management in patients with an unstable cervical spine remains a challenge. A video fluoroscopic technique that transfers the image to a floppy disk for direct measurement is described. This technique enabled standardized, direct measurement of the cervical spine during airway maneuvers before and after a C5-6 posterior instability was surgically created in five cadaveric specimens. Unsupported direct oral techniques often can cause more motion than do indirect nasal techniques, and chin lift/jaw thrust and cricoid pressure can cause as much motion as do some of the intubation techniques.