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Cervical Spine Collar Clearance in the Non-Obtunded Adult Blunt Trauma Patient2024
Type: New Practice Management Guideline (PMG)
Category: Trauma
Committee Liaison: Rachel D. Appelbaum, MD
Team leader(s)
Statement of Need:
Blunt trauma is extremely common and is frequently associated with concern for cervical spine injury. These patients often have a cervical collar placed on scene to protect a possible underlying cervical spine fracture that could be made worse with cervical spine movement. The management of these collars has remained controversial given variations in imaging workup, indication for attempt cervical spine clearance, and management of stable cervical spine fractures. This practice management guideline aims to streamline the workup and management of cervical spine collars in bluntly injured adult trauma patients.
Team Members:
Lisa M. Kodadek, MD, FACS (Senior Team Leader)
Matthew Painter, MD
John Agapian, MD
Helen Markowski, MD
Linda Yala, MD